Odisha launches aerial relief as cyclone Arnab floods strand thousands

The Odisha government has escalated relief and rescue efforts in flood-affected Ganjam and Gajapati districts, preparing to conduct food airdrops in areas where thousands have been stranded for more than 24 hours due to swelling waters. The flooding, triggered by relentless rainfall accompanying Cyclone Arnab, has overwhelmed local infrastructure and cut off ground access to affected communities.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi acknowledged the scale of the disaster during a meeting on Friday, noting that the rainfall intensity in coastal districts far exceeded pre-cyclone projections. "The administration anticipated major impact in Malkangiri, but the unexpectedly severe downpour in Ganjam and Gajapati has caused severe flooding," Majhi said. Patrapur block in Ganjam recorded 54 centimeters of rainfall within 24 hours, while multiple other locations across both districts documented unusually high precipitation levels.

State officials are coordinating with disaster management agencies to ensure rapid deployment of aerial support vehicles and logistical supplies to isolated pockets. Ground-level rescue teams continue operations where accessibility permits, with particular focus on evacuating vulnerable populations from submerged villages. The government has mobilized resources from neighboring districts to support the ongoing emergency response.