Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Southern Odisha is facing a severe flood and landslide crisis following continuous heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab. Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts have suffered extensive damage, with several villages submerged, roads washed away and houses buried under landslide debris.
The disaster has also claimed the lives of three members of a family in Kandhamal district, including a nine-month-old baby. The incident has added to the distress of residents already struggling with flooding, damaged roads and disrupted communication.
Three Family Members Killed in Kandhamal Landslide
One of the most tragic incidents occurred at Dangesi village under Raikia block in Kandhamal district. A portion of a nearby hillside collapsed following heavy rainfall, burying a house under mud and debris.
The victims were identified as Achyuta Pradhan, 30, his wife Anisha Pradhan, 25, and their nine-month-old son. The family could not escape when the landslide struck.
Rescue personnel reached the area and recovered the bodies. Two other people were rescued from the affected location.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the deaths and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person.
Ganjam Faces Extensive Flooding and Road Damage
Ganjam has emerged as one of the worst-affected districts. Continuous rainfall caused rivers to swell, flooding residential areas and leaving hundreds of villages marooned.
The overflowing Rushikulya River has caused extensive damage in several areas. Floodwaters have entered villages and towns, while roads and bridges have been damaged or washed away.
Sorada, Aska, Bhanjanagar and Purushottampur are among the affected locations. Several areas of Sanakhemundi have also experienced flooding.
The situation has disrupted road connectivity and made it difficult for rescue teams to reach people trapped in remote and inundated locations.
Gajapati and Kandhamal Also Hit by Landslides
The impact of Cyclone Arnab has extended beyond Ganjam. Heavy rainfall has triggered landslides in Gajapati and Kandhamal, damaging roads and disrupting transportation.
Mud, rocks and water have flowed down hillsides in several locations, making travel dangerous. Some villages have become difficult to access because of damaged roads and blocked routes.
The administration is monitoring vulnerable areas and continuing rescue operations to reach people who remain stranded.
Government Starts Airdropping Food Packets
With several villages inaccessible by road, the Odisha government has intensified relief operations. Four helicopters belonging to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have been deployed to deliver food packets to people stranded in flood-hit areas.
Food packets have been airdropped at 21 identified locations in Ganjam district. Rescue teams are also transporting cooked food by boats to affected communities.
More than 23,000 people were reported to be staying in relief camps, while many others remained stranded in flooded areas. Disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services have been deployed across the state.
Thousands of People Affected Across Southern Odisha
The scale of the disaster has placed significant pressure on local administrations. According to figures shared by state officials, around 50,000 people have been severely affected in Ganjam, followed by approximately 30,000 in Gajapati and 12,000 in Kandhamal.
The state government has sanctioned an additional Rs 20 crore for relief and rescue operations in Ganjam district.
A central team is also scheduled to visit Odisha on November 2 to assess the damage caused by the cyclone-related floods.
Chief Minister Conducts Aerial Survey
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, conducted an aerial survey of affected areas in Ganjam and Gajapati.
The Chief Minister directed officials to speed up rescue and relief operations and ensure that essential supplies reach people in affected villages.
The government is also focusing on restoring damaged roads and bridges, electricity supply and access to healthcare services.
Residents Face Difficulties as Relief Operations Continue
For people living in the affected areas, the disaster has brought severe hardship. Flooded roads, damaged houses, landslides and disrupted communication have made everyday life difficult.
Residents in low-lying and vulnerable locations have been moved to safer places, while relief camps are providing temporary shelter and essential supplies.
The situation remains a concern as rescue teams continue working to reach isolated communities and restore connectivity.
A Difficult Time for Southern Odisha
The devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab has left several parts of southern Odisha struggling with the combined impact of floods and landslides. The loss of three family members in Kandhamal highlights the human cost of the disaster.
As rescue and relief operations continue, affected families are waiting for assistance, safe shelter and the restoration of normal life. The immediate priority remains protecting lives, delivering essential supplies and repairing damaged infrastructure across the affected districts.
