Following widespread destruction in southern Odisha—particularly in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamala districts—due to Cyclone Arnab, a high-level central team will visit the state on November 2 to conduct an on-the-ground damage assessment.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced this development on Friday.
Minister Pujari noted that Ganjam has borne the brunt of the storm, while Gajapati and Kandhamal have also sustained significant structural and infrastructural damage. However, a noticeable decrease in rainfall over the past 24 hours has provided much-needed relief. Between October 1 and 30, Odisha recorded 132 mm of rainfall, which is 18.7% above normal. Ganjam alone experienced a staggering 118% surplus rainfall over a three-day period, leading to extensive road blockages and damage caused by landslides. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
Relief Operations in Full Swing
Relief and restoration work has been escalated on a war footing:
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Air-Dropping Supplies: Naval helicopters are deploying food packets across 22 locations in Ganjam.
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Cooked Meals: A specialised team of 40 trained personnel is delivering cooked food to stranded and affected residents.
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Ongoing Airlifts: Additional airlifts are being executed as needed, with improving weather and receding flood currents making previously inaccessible areas reachable once more.
The central government has also stepped in actively. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently held discussions with the Chief Ministers of four affected states, assuring them that an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) would be promptly dispatched to evaluate the devastation and determine additional financial assistance. Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units continue round-the-clock rescue and relief operations.
Looking Ahead
Proactive preparedness and swift administrative intervention by the state government have successfully prevented any loss of life. With the arrival of the central team, affected communities are hopeful for expedited relief and rehabilitation support. The central government’s financial assistance package will be finalised based on the forthcoming evaluation report submitted by the central team.
