Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha's Ganjam district, triggered by heavy rainfall under the influence of Cyclone 'Arnab', 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.

Water drainage and rescue operations intensified

Measures are being taken to drain floodwater from inundated areas in Chhatrapur. Water accumulated on roads has disrupted traffic movement in several places, and efforts are underway to clear the affected stretches and restore normal connectivity.

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.

Aerial rescue operations to be expanded

Six people were rescued through an aerial operation on a trial basis yesterday. The administration plans to intensify such operations to evacuate more people trapped in flood-affected areas.

Around 45 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and more than 50 fire service teams have been deployed at different locations across the district. The teams are engaged in rescuing stranded residents and delivering relief materials wherever required.

Crop and infrastructure damage feared

Floodwater entering agricultural fields has raised concerns over extensive crop damage. Sand and silt deposits in farmland, along with possible damage to roads and other infrastructure, have also emerged as major concerns.

The Collector has directed concerned departmental officials to assess the extent of damage after the floodwater recedes.

A preliminary damage assessment report for the district is expected to be prepared within the next two days. Subsequently, a Central team is scheduled to visit Ganjam to assess the actual extent of losses caused by the floods.