Cyclone Arnab Impact in Odisha: Heavy rainfall triggered landslides and floods in Kandhamal district, claiming three lives and washing away houses in Dangesi village. Rescue and restoration operations are underway. (Images: X)
Phulbani (Odisha): Heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab has triggered devastating landslides and floods in Odisha, claiming three lives in Kandhamal district. Several villages were cut off after roads and communication links were damaged, while rescue and relief operations have been underway to assist affected residents. District Collector and Magistrate Ved Bhushan said rescue operations were nearing completion and restoration work had started.
According to the district administration, two people, including an elderly woman and her son, were rescued from Dangesi village, where several houses were washed away. The three deceased were handed over to their families, while the survivors were moved to Shikabadi village.
Raikia block was among the worst-affected areas, with heavy rainfall leaving several villages inaccessible. The administration has managed to reconnect with residents in the affected locations and is supplying essential items, including food, drinking water and medicines. Officials are also deploying JCB machines to clear damaged roads and restore connectivity to isolated villages.
Collector Ved Bhushan said the administration was following a three-stage response strategy: rescuing stranded people, providing immediate relief and restoring essential services and damaged infrastructure. He expressed hope that further rainfall would not complicate the situation. A team has also been sent to Ganjam district to support rescue efforts in flood-affected areas.
Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik has been stationed in Kandhamal and is visiting affected locations to monitor relief and rescue activities.
The impact of heavy rainfall was also visible along the Gajapati-Ganjam border. A major landslide at Taptapani Ghat disrupted vehicular movement completely. Sections of National Highway 326 near Ledbandh in Gajapati district were also washed away, affecting road connectivity.
