Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 30: Over 59,000 people, including 3,001 pregnant women, have been evacuated across nine districts of Odisha after Cyclone Arnab triggered heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. Ganjam reported the highest number of evacuations, with 11,882 people moved to safer locations.
The state government deployed 313 rescue teams, comprising nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and 244 Fire Services teams. Ganjam received the largest deployment, with 45 ODRAF and seven NDRF teams.
Ganjam and Gajapati were among the worst-affected districts, while Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Kandhamal also reported damage. Around 300 villages in Ganjam were affected, including 70 that remained cut off.
The government began airlifting stranded residents after rescue teams faced difficulties reaching several locations. An Indian Coast Guard helicopter also undertook evacuation sorties.
Flooding disrupted transport, with 36 trains cancelled and nearly 30 diverted. Floodwater affected National Highway-16 near the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border, while a 300-metre stretch of NH-326 was washed away in Gajapati.
Patrapur in Ganjam recorded 546 mm of rainfall, while G Udayagiri in Kandhamal received 462.4 mm. The Rushikulya river also crossed its danger mark at Purushottampur.
Anganwadi centres and educational institutions in Ganjam and Gajapati will remain closed until October 31. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sought assistance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for relief and restoration work.
