Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Odisha has sought assistance from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to arrange Coast Guard helicopter support for evacuating around 120 people stranded at four locations in Ganjam district following heavy rainfall and flooding triggered by Cyclone Arnab.
The district administration has intensified rescue operations as rising floodwaters and difficult ground conditions hamper efforts to reach people in vulnerable areas. The state government has also deployed 15 additional Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams to strengthen relief and evacuation operations.
Helicopter Evacuation on Standby
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the state government had approached the MHA regarding the possible deployment of a Coast Guard helicopter to airlift stranded residents to safer locations.
However, persistent rainfall and low cloud cover could affect aerial rescue operations. Authorities will assess weather conditions before deciding whether a helicopter evacuation can proceed.
The administration is focusing on four locations where around 120 people may require assistance. Officials are also exploring ground-based rescue options, which could make an aerial operation unnecessary if stranded residents can be brought to safety by disaster-response teams.
Around 2,000 People Reportedly Marooned
The flooding has raised serious concerns across Ganjam and neighbouring Gajapati district. According to information shared by the state government, around 2,000 people have been left marooned across 70 villages in the two districts.
Continuous rainfall has affected several areas, while rising water levels and disrupted road access have complicated rescue efforts. Authorities are coordinating operations on the ground to reach vulnerable residents and move them to safer places.
Senior Officials Monitor Rescue Efforts
The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) for the Southern Division is monitoring the situation, while district collectors are supervising rescue and evacuation efforts in their respective areas.
According to the Chief Secretary, rainfall intensity was expected to decrease over the following several hours, although officials continued to monitor weather conditions and their impact on rescue operations.
The additional ODRAF deployment is intended to improve response capacity and help district administrations reach people affected by flooding.
Safety Remains the Priority
The state government is keeping aerial evacuation arrangements ready while continuing rescue operations through ODRAF teams and local administrations. The final decision on helicopter deployment will depend on weather conditions and the accessibility of affected locations.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to follow instructions issued by local authorities, avoid entering floodwaters and move to designated safer locations whenever directed.