Bhubaneswar, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The flood situation remains critical in Odisha, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, following incessant rainfall triggered by severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab.
Exceptionally heavy rainfall has caused massive flash floods across several parts of southern Odisha, disrupting road connectivity as roads and bridges were washed away. Several areas have been cut off, leaving thousands of people stranded in the affected districts.
Ganjam remains a major cause for concern, with rescue teams conducting extensive operations to evacuate people trapped by the floods.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said an analysis of rainfall data for the three days preceding Thursday showed that Ganjam district had received 118 per cent excess rainfall. Gajapati recorded 103 per cent excess rainfall over the same two-to-three-day period, while Kandhamal received 123 per cent excess rainfall.
“Ganjam district broke all previous rainfall records this time, receiving an unprecedented amount of rainfall within such a short period. This resulted in extensive damage across the district,” the minister said.
In Ganjam, 386 villages across 22 blocks and 18 urban local bodies have been affected. Around 43,000 people have been impacted, of whom 23,323 have been evacuated and accommodated in various relief centres.
On Thursday, an Indian Coast Guard aircrew used an ALH Mk-III helicopter to rescue six people, including two women, two children and an elderly person, who were stranded at a heavily inundated Public Health Centre (PHC) in Jagmohan village of Ganjam district. The individuals were winched to safety.
Fire Services personnel have so far rescued 303 people stranded in Berhampur, 359 in Chhatrapur in Ganjam district, 31 in Gajapati district and 91 in Kandhamal district.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy deployed four helicopters on Friday to transport food packets and air-drop relief materials at 21 locations across flood-hit Ganjam district.
Fire Services personnel and teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have also been deployed to deliver food supplies to affected residents.
The strong water currents that had earlier prevented rescue teams from reaching several locations have now subsided, enabling personnel to access all flood-hit villages, including those that remain marooned.
Currently, 352 relief centres are operational in Ganjam district and 340 in Gajapati. Around 23,300 people are staying in the 352 relief centres in Ganjam, while 21,782 people have taken shelter in the 340 centres in Gajapati.
Revenue Minister Pujari said the number of people still stranded in flood-affected areas was higher than the number accommodated in relief centres.
He expressed hope that the situation would improve soon, noting that there had been no rainfall in the preceding 24 hours.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Ganjam and other districts to assess the situation.
A central team is also likely to visit the affected areas soon to assess the damage caused by the cyclone and incessant rainfall in Odisha.
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