Bhubaneswar: The impact of Cyclone 'Arnab' has caused extensive damage in Odisha's Ganjam district, with the Palashpur bridge in Sanakhemundi block washed away following days of heavy flooding.

It has brought traffic to a complete standstill on the road connecting Digapahandi and Aska, disrupting connectivity between the two areas.

According to reports, floodwater had been flowing over the bridge at a height of around 15 feet for the past three days. After the water level began to recede, it was found that the bridge had been washed away.

The flood situation in Ganjam district is gradually improving. However, several villages along the Rushikulya river, stretching from Bhanjanagar to Chhatrapur, have been affected by floodwaters, leaving people stranded in several areas after breaches in river embankments. The district administration has intensified water drainage, rescue and relief operations to bring the situation under control.

Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan said rescue and relief operations have been stepped up in the flood-hit areas. Relief materials have been reaching affected people since yesterday.

As boat operations remain difficult in areas with strong water currents, the administration is preparing to use helicopters to air-drop food packets and other essential supplies to people stranded in inaccessible locations.