Bhubaneswar: Food and relief materials will be air-dropped at 22 locations in flood-affected Ganjam district to provide assistance to people stranded in inaccessible areas, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday.

The Minister made the announcement while briefing the media after reviewing the flood situation at the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office ahead of his visit to the affected areas.

According to Pujari, more than 43,000 people have been affected by the floods in Ganjam district. He directed officials to ensure that relief materials reach every affected person without delay.

Air-Dropping in 22 Locations

The state government has made arrangements to air-drop relief materials in 22 locations across the district, particularly in areas that cannot be accessed easily due to flooding.

Air-dropping will be carried out at three locations in Hinjilicut. Other areas identified for the operation include Purushottampur, Sheragada, Dharakote, Asika, Bhanjanagar municipality area, Belaguntha and Chikiti.

Cooked Food to Be Delivered by Boats

The Minister said arrangements have also been made to distribute cooked food to people in flood-hit areas through boats. This will ensure that people stranded in waterlogged and inaccessible locations receive food and other essential assistance.

Roads to Be Repaired on Priority

Pujari further said officials have been instructed to undertake immediate repairs of roads damaged by the floods to restore connectivity and facilitate relief and rescue operations.

The government has directed the district administration to intensify relief distribution and ensure that assistance reaches all affected people, including those living in remote areas.

Central team to visit Odisha on November 2

The Minister further informed that a team from the Central Government will visit Odisha on November 2 to assess the damage caused by the flood.