Rs 20 crore aid for flood hit Ganjam, rescue and relief operations on a war footing

Essential relief materials, including dry food, rice, jaggery, polythene sheets and safe drinking water, are being distributed among people taking shelter in relief camps

Rs 20 crore aid for flood hit Ganjam, rescue and relief operations on a war footing: Ganjam has emerged as the worst-affected district aftermath Cyclone Arnab. Around 42,564 people affected, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday.

A review meeting was held at the State Emergency Control Room in Rajiv Bhawan here under the chairmanship of Pujari, in the presence of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and senior officials. According to the Minister, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput and Rayagada are among the districts significantly affected by the cyclone. Continuous rainfall has caused waterlogging in several villages and extensive damage to roads, particularly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal.

The Special Relief Commissioner in an X post stated, ‘ An additional amount of ₹20 crore has been released to Ganjam district as financial assistance for disaster response and relief operations in view of the prevailing flood situation in the aftermath of Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’.’ Earlier, the state government had released Rs 5 crore to Ganjam district to support relief and rescue operations.

Gajapati and Kandhamal districts have also suffered extensive damage, with 30,000 and 12,000 people affected. The aerial relief operation has been launched to ensure the supply of essential food items to people in areas where road connectivity has been disrupted by flooding, making it difficult for rescue and relief teams to reach the affected population. Aerial distribution of food packets has commenced across 21 designated areas in Ganjam.

The locations include three in Hinjilicut, seven in Purushottampur, and two each in Surada, Dharakote, Asika, Bellaguntha and Chikiti, besides locations in the Bhanjanagar area.

ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services personnel have been deployed in the affected areas for rescue and relief operations. Thousands of people from vulnerable areas have been evacuated and shifted to relief camps. Special priority is being given to pregnant women with necessary healthcare services and medicines.

Essential relief materials, including dry food, rice, jaggery, polythene sheets and safe drinking water, are being distributed among people taking shelter in relief camps.

ALSO READ: Uttarakhand helicopter crash: Six feared dead, search operation underway

The Minister directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring of the post-cyclone situation and take coordinated measures to safeguard lives and minimise damage. Instructions have also been issued to restore damaged roads and electricity supply on a war footing.

The state government has intensified relief and rehabilitation measures across the affected districts, the statement said.