Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: As Odisha continues to grapple with severe flooding triggered by Cyclone ‘Arnab’, the Indian Navy has stepped up relief operations to assist affected communities, particularly in areas where road connectivity has been disrupted and villages remain inundated.
For the second consecutive day, the Eastern Naval Command carried out aerial relief missions in Ganjam district. During the operation, Navy Sea King and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) aircraft undertook multiple sorties, airlifting around 1,800 kg of relief supplies to the flood-hit village of Sara Bhimpur.
The consignment comprised approximately 1,400 kg of food items and 400 litres of drinking water. “Sustaining HADR operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, the Eastern Naval Command continued aerial relief efforts for the second consecutive day in cyclone-affected Ganjam district, Odisha,” Eastern Naval Command posted on X.
With extensive waterlogging and damaged road links cutting off access to the village, transporting essential supplies had become a major challenge. Navy helicopters overcame these hurdles through aerial deliveries, providing vital assistance to residents stranded by the floods.
Working in close coordination with the local administration, the Indian Navy has continued its relief operations to ensure the timely supply of food and safe drinking water to affected communities. The operation underscores the Navy’s rapid response capabilities and its commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during natural calamities.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has also been conducting rescue operations in the wake of Cyclone Arnab. As part of the efforts, six people, including two women, two children and an elderly person, were rescued from a flood-hit health centre and airlifted to safety.
The rescue operation was carried out October 29 in Ganjam district after authorities alerted the Coast Guard about the emergency. Acting on the distress call, an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk-III), along with rescue personnel, was immediately deployed from the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Bhubaneswar.
Despite adverse weather conditions and difficult operating circumstances, the helicopter crew successfully located the inundated primary health centre, where several people had been stranded due to rising floodwaters, and carried out the evacuation operation.
According to the state government, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamala, Koraput and Rayagada districts have been significantly affected by Cyclone Arnab. Ganjam has been the worst-affected district, followed by Gajapati and Kandhamala, which have also suffered extensive damage.
The number of affected people is highest in Ganjam (42,564), followed by Gajapati (30,000) and Kandhamal (12,000). People from vulnerable and low-lying areas have been shifted to safer locations, and relief camps have been opened to accommodate those affected.