Cyclone Arnab: Indian Navy Airlifts 1.8 Tonnes of Relief Supplies to Flood-Hit Villages in Odisha
The Indian Navy has intensified humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in Odisha as Cyclone Arnab-triggered floods continue to disrupt normal life across several districts.
For the second consecutive day, the Eastern Naval Command conducted aerial relief missions in the severely affected Ganjam district, delivering essential supplies to communities cut off by floodwaters.
According to the Navy, Sea King and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) aircraft carried out multiple sorties to Sara Bhimpur village, airlifting approximately 1,800 kilograms of relief materials, including 1,400 kilograms of food items and 400 litres of drinking water.
The operation was aimed at supporting residents stranded in areas where damaged roads and extensive waterlogging have made ground access impossible.
The Eastern Naval Command stated that it has been sustaining relief operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, ensuring timely delivery of essentials to affected populations in Ganjam district.
The Navy is working closely with local authorities to provide food, drinking water and emergency assistance to vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has also stepped up rescue efforts in cyclone-affected regions.
In one major operation, six people, including two women, two children and an elderly person, were rescued from a flooded primary health centre in Ganjam district and airlifted to safety.
The rescue mission was launched after authorities alerted the Coast Guard about the emergency, prompting the immediate deployment of an ALH Mk-III helicopter from Bhubaneswar.
Despite challenging weather conditions, rescue personnel successfully evacuated those trapped by rising floodwaters.
The operation highlighted the coordinated response of disaster management agencies in tackling the crisis triggered by Cyclone Arnab.
According to the Odisha government, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput and Rayagada districts have been significantly impacted by the cyclone.
Ganjam remains the worst-hit district, with more than 42,000 people affected, followed by Gajapati and Kandhamal.
Authorities have shifted residents from vulnerable locations to safer areas and opened relief camps to accommodate displaced families.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the Navy and Coast Guard remain on high alert to assist affected communities and support the state’s ongoing disaster response efforts.
