Odisha to air-drop food in Ganjam and Gajapati after cyclone rain
The state government is preparing to use helicopters to deliver food packets to people stranded by heavy rainfall in southern Odisha.
Odisha on Friday increased rescue and relief efforts in the Ganjam and Gajapati districts after torrential rain connected to cyclone Arnab left thousands of people stranded for over 24 hours, according to Outlook.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the intensity and specific location of the rainfall in Ganjam were unexpected. He noted that while the administration prepared for impacts in Malkangiri, the heavy rain in Ganjam caused severe flooding.
In Ganjam district, the Patrapur block recorded 54 cm of rain within 24 hours. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the 24-hour rainfall volume in Ganjam exceeded the area's annual average.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said approximately 50,000 people in Ganjam were badly affected. He said defence helicopters were requested to air-drop food and water at 21 locations where access was blocked.
The flooding of the Rushikulya river has submerged villages and damaged infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Officials reported a 30-foot breach near Achhuli and that Dasamaili village is under nearly 10 feet of water.
More than 100 of the 313 rescue teams deployed across the state are working in Ganjam and Gajapati. The Indian Coast Guard has been asked to airlift stranded individuals and drop food in inaccessible areas.