Bhubaneswar, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Odisha government has intensified rescue and relief operations in Ganjam and Gajapati districts following severe flooding triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall associated with severe Cyclone Arnab.
The torrential downpour caused major rivers to swell, resulting in widespread flooding and massive landslides across parts of southern Odisha. Thousands of people have been affected, with houses, roads and extensive paddy fields suffering damage. Several areas have been cut off after roads and bridges were washed away, leaving residents stranded, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), exceptionally heavy rainfall was recorded across southern Odisha during the past 24 hours. Patrapur in Ganjam district recorded the highest rainfall at 546 mm, followed by Sorada in the same district at 503 mm, G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal at 462 mm, Mahendragarh in Gajapati at 458 mm, Sanakhemundi in Ganjam at 388 mm and Chikiti in Ganjam at 309 mm.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said water levels in several rivers had risen sharply, with some flowing above their danger marks and posing a serious flood threat. Low-lying and vulnerable areas have been particularly affected, with floodwaters inundating houses and forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops.
However, Pujari said the flood situation in the affected districts had started improving after around 4 p.m. on Thursday.
According to officials, flooding severely affected 299 villages across 22 blocks in Ganjam district and 711 villages across seven blocks in Gajapati. Around 42,500 people in Ganjam and 20,000 in Gajapati have been affected.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services have evacuated 11,882 people in Ganjam and 17,441 in Gajapati, shifting them to flood-cum-cyclone shelters. In Ganjam, 2,328 people across 70 villages remained marooned.
As strong currents prevented NDRF and ODRAF teams from reaching some affected locations, Indian Coast Guard helicopters are being used to airlift stranded residents to safety. The district Collector has been directed to identify such areas and prepare lists of people requiring evacuation.
A total of 27 ODRAF teams, three NDRF teams and 24 Fire Services teams have been deployed in Ganjam. Gajapati has 12 ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 12 Fire Services teams. In addition, 550 pregnant women in Ganjam and 420 in Gajapati have been moved to safer locations.
Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Bahuda River in Ganjam inundated its lower basin and caused an abnormal rise in water levels at Railway Bridge No. 1052 between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi stations. The situation disrupted several train services across Andhra Pradesh and the Ganjam side of Odisha.
Railway officials are coordinating with the administrations of Ganjam and Srikakulam to manage the situation. The Chief Secretary has directed the Ganjam Collector to assist stranded passengers and keep them informed about developments.
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