Landslides Claim Three Lives in Kandhamal District

Tragedy struck Kandhamal district when a massive landslide claimed the lives of three members of a family, including a nine-month-old baby. The incident occurred in Dangesi village under Raikia block, where heavy rainfall destabilized the surrounding hillside. A house was buried beneath mud and debris, leaving the occupants trapped. Rescue personnel faced considerable difficulties reaching the affected location because roads were blocked and surrounding areas remained inaccessible. Two other people were rescued from the affected village. The incident highlights the dangers faced by communities living in mountainous regions during prolonged rainfall and extreme weather conditions.

Thousands Displaced as Floodwaters Submerge Villages

Severe flooding has displaced thousands of residents across southern Odisha, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. According to government officials, more than 23,000 people were staying in temporary relief camps, while many others remained stranded in flooded communities. Approximately 50,000 people were severely affected in Ganjam, followed by 30,000 in Gajapati and 12,000 in Kandhamal. Floodwaters entered residential areas, damaging household belongings, agricultural fields, and public infrastructure. Several villages became inaccessible because connecting roads were submerged or washed away. Authorities are prioritizing evacuations and distributing essential supplies to families affected by the natural disaster.

Rescue Teams Launch Emergency Relief Operations

The Odisha government has intensified emergency rescue operations to assist communities affected by Cyclone Arnab. A total of 313 rescue teams were deployed across the state, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, and other emergency services. Four helicopters belonging to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard were deployed to deliver food packets to inaccessible locations. Rescue workers also used boats to transport cooked meals and evacuate stranded residents. Despite strong water currents and damaged transportation routes, emergency teams continued working to reach isolated villages and provide immediate humanitarian assistance.

Odisha Government Announces Financial Assistance

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced financial assistance for families affected by the deadly landslide. The government declared compensation of ₹4 lakh for each deceased victim’s family. Following an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions, the state administration also sanctioned an additional ₹20 crore for rescue and relief activities in Ganjam district. Senior administrative officers have been deployed to coordinate emergency assistance and monitor rehabilitation efforts. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of providing food, drinking water, healthcare, and temporary accommodation. Officials have also been instructed to accelerate the restoration of damaged infrastructure.

Transportation and Essential Services Face Major Disruptions

Cyclone Arnab has severely disrupted transportation and essential services across several parts of Odisha. Overflowing rivers have damaged bridges, submerged highways, and washed away connecting roads, making travel difficult for residents and emergency workers. National Highway 16, connecting Kolkata and Chennai, experienced major traffic disruptions near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Railway operations were also affected by waterlogging, resulting in cancellations and interruptions. Although highway traffic and some railway services subsequently resumed, transportation challenges continued in several locations. Authorities are working to repair damaged roads, restore electricity supplies, and improve access to isolated communities requiring urgent assistance.

Government Focuses on Rehabilitation and Disaster Recovery

The Odisha government is concentrating on rehabilitation, infrastructure restoration, and long-term recovery following the destruction caused by Cyclone Arnab. A central government team is scheduled to visit the state on November 2 to assess the damage and determine further assistance requirements. Officials are monitoring river levels, coordinating relief distribution, and addressing possible health risks associated with contaminated floodwater. President Droupadi Murmu cancelled her scheduled Odisha visit and contacted the Chief Minister regarding the emergency. Authorities have urged residents to remain in safe locations and follow official instructions while rescue teams continue supporting affected communities throughout southern Odisha.

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