Cyclone Arnab Devastates Odisha: Landslides, Floods Leave Trail of Destruction in Ganjam
Bhubaneswar: Southern Odisha continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, which unleashed torrential rainfall, triggering widespread flooding and landslides across several districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal.
The heavy downpour inundated villages, damaged roads and bridges, and disrupted communication networks in multiple areas.
Several low-lying regions were submerged as rivers and streams overflowed, leaving thousands of residents stranded and forcing authorities to intensify rescue and relief efforts.
Among the worst-hit incidents was a deadly landslide in Kandhamal district that claimed multiple lives, highlighting the severity of the disaster.
The continuous rainfall also caused landslides in hilly terrains, cutting off access to remote villages and complicating relief operations.
In response, the Odisha government mobilised an extensive rescue network involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services and other emergency agencies.
Rescue teams worked round the clock to evacuate affected families and provide essential supplies.
With many villages remaining inaccessible by road, helicopters were pressed into service to airdrop food packets, drinking water and emergency materials.
Relief camps have been established in several locations to shelter displaced residents.
Officials continue to monitor flood conditions as water levels remain high in many areas.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable locations to remain vigilant and follow evacuation advisories issued by district administrations.
The state government has initiated damage assessments while relief and rehabilitation measures are being expanded across affected districts.
Efforts are focused on restoring connectivity, ensuring food security and providing medical assistance to affected communities.
As rescue operations continue, the disaster serves as another reminder of the growing vulnerability of Odisha’s coastal and hilly regions to extreme weather events.
