Ganjam Floods: Over 1.5 Lakh People Marooned In Eight Blocks, 16,000 Evacuated
Brahmapur, Oct 30: More than 1.5 lakh people across eight blocks of Odisha’s Ganjam district remain marooned following torrential rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab. Nearly half the district has been inundated, with several towns and villages cut off due to severe flooding.
The situation worsened after the Rushikulya river embankment breached at Purusottampur, flooding nearby residential areas and agricultural land. Asika, Sheragada, Sorada, Dharakote, Bhanjanagar, Bellaguntha, Patrapur and Chikiti are among the worst-affected areas.
Asika town is severely inundated, with floodwaters exceeding six feet entering the ground floors of several buildings and forcing residents to take shelter on upper floors.
The Rushikulya, Bahuda, Ghodahada, Loharakhandi, Jarau, Padma and Badanadi rivers are flowing in spate, putting pressure on the Baghalati, Baghua and Daha dams. Several other blocks, including Sanakhemundi, Ganjam, Khallikote and Chhatrapur, have also reported extensive flooding and crop damage.
Around 16,000 people have so far been evacuated to safer locations by emergency response teams, including the NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services. However, strong water currents continue to hamper rescue operations in several inundated areas.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Ganjam and Gajapati districts on Friday to assess the damage and review relief and rescue operations.
