Bhubaneswar: As part of the relief operation in flood-ravaged Ganjam district of Odisha, four helicopters of the armed forces have started airdropping food packets at 21 locations to help people stranded in inaccessible areas.

The helicopters are carrying food packets and dropping them at the locations. Personnel stationed at these points will collect the relief materials and distribute them among the affected and marooned people.

The airdropping operation has been launched to ensure the supply of food items to people in areas where road connectivity has been disrupted by flooding, making it difficult for rescue and relief teams to reach them.

Earlier, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari had announced the aerial delivery of relief materials at 21 locations across Ganjam district.

According to the minister, naval helicopters would carry out the operation in several flood-affected areas, including Hinjili, Chikiti, Purushottampur, Sheragada, Dharakote, Aska and Belaguntha.