Three killed in Odisha landslides as Cyclone Arnab triggers floods
Heavy rainfall from Cyclone Arnab has caused extensive flooding and landslides in southern Odisha, killing three people.
At least three people, including a nine-month-old infant, died in a landslide in Odisha on Friday, according to The Federal. The fatalities occurred in Kandhamal district where a couple and their son lost their lives.
Cyclone Arnab caused heavy rainfall that led to rising river levels and nearly a dozen landslides. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the storm caused destruction in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts, despite expectations that the impact would be greater in Andhra Pradesh.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that over 23,000 people are in relief camps. He noted that approximately 50,000 people were severely affected in Ganjam, 30,000 in Gajapati, and 12,000 in Kandhamal.
The state government has deployed four helicopters from the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to airdrop food in Ganjam. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said food packets were dropped at 21 locations in the district.
Chief Minister Majhi announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. The state has also sanctioned an additional Rs 20 crore for relief operations in Ganjam.
President Droupadi Murmu cancelled a scheduled three-day visit to Odisha starting November 3 due to the situation. A central team is expected to visit the state on November 2 to assess the damage.