The flood situation in Odisha’s Ganjam and Gajapati districts has gradually improved as water levels receded in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab. Reports indicate that river levels have declined, leading to a reduction in the extent of flooding in the most affected areas. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed officials to enhance relief and restoration efforts in these regions.

Ganjam and Gajapati were identified as the worst-hit districts among the nine southern districts affected by the cyclone. More than 1.5 lakh individuals were reported to be impacted in Ganjam, while over 30,000 residents faced difficulties in Gajapati. In response, authorities initiated evacuations and established relief camps to assist those affected.

According to Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan, 56,051 individuals have been relocated to 367 safe shelters. Cooked meals are being distributed at 370 locations across the district to ensure that those displaced receive adequate nourishment. Despite these efforts, approximately 700 individuals remain stranded in waterlogged areas.

Relief Operations and Infrastructure Restoration

Relief operations have been bolstered through the use of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard helicopters, which delivered food supplies to isolated villages. Authorities are maintaining sufficient food stocks to meet the needs of the affected population for the next 15 to 20 days. The number of cut-off villages in Ganjam has significantly decreased from 70 on Thursday to three by Saturday, indicating progress in the recovery efforts.

In terms of infrastructure, Transport Minister BB Jena announced that National Highway 16, which connects Kolkata and Chennai, has reopened following a decline in the water levels of the Bahuda river. Train services along this route have also resumed normal operations, facilitating better connectivity for relief efforts.

Water Resources Department Secretary Shubha Sharma visited the Rushikulya river’s monitoring station and confirmed that the river is currently well below the danger mark, posing no immediate flood threat. However, she noted that water accumulation in low-lying areas may take several more days to fully recede.

Government Response and Future Preparedness

Repair work has commenced on damaged roads, bridges, small dams, and embankments, with priority given to major routes such as Hinjili-Bhanjanagar, Sorada-Daringbadi, and Mohana-Berhampur. This is aimed at ensuring the efficient movement of relief materials to affected areas.

More than 100 personnel from various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations in Ganjam and Gajapati. During a review meeting, Chief Minister Majhi emphasised the importance of assessing the damage caused by the cyclone and preparing for any potential future cyclonic systems expected to impact the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3.

The Chief Minister has also directed all administrative departments to provide accurate information to the media during emergencies. Efforts are being made to restore essential services, including electricity and roads, in the cyclone-affected areas. The Energy Department has prioritised the restoration of power supply, with TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited reporting that electricity has been restored to 17 lakh consumers across southern Odisha.

According to the statement, 96.32 per cent of power restoration has been achieved across eight districts, with all 130 affected primary substations now operational. Districts such as Malkangiri, Boudh, and Rayagada have reached 100 per cent restoration, while Ganjam has achieved a 93 per cent restoration rate.

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