World · India Bureau
Odisha flood cuts off 300 villages; airlift rescue operations planned
Cyclone Arnab's heavy rainfall has inundated parts of Odisha's Ganjam district, leaving approximately 300 villages isolated by floodwaters. Authorities are preparing aerial evacuation operations, though deteriorating weather conditions threaten to hamper rescue efforts.
LSN India ·
Heavy precipitation from Cyclone Arnab has triggered severe flooding across Ganjam district in Odisha, with vast swathes of low-lying areas submerged under water. The deluge has rendered nearly 300 villages inaccessible by conventional means, trapping residents and cutting off supply routes to affected communities.
Disaster management officials have initiated contingency measures to evacuate stranded residents, with helicopter-based airlifts being arranged as the primary rescue option given the scale of inundation. Teams have been positioned to assist with evacuation operations once weather conditions permit aerial movements.
However, cyclonic conditions and monsoon-related weather disturbances continue to pose significant challenges to the ongoing rescue mission. State authorities have cautioned that adverse meteorological conditions could delay or disrupt airlift operations, potentially prolonging the isolation of flood-affected villages.
Odisha's disaster management agency has activated emergency protocols and is coordinating with central agencies to expedite relief and rescue efforts. Local administration is working to assess the scale of damage and identify priority zones for evacuation based on vulnerability assessments.