Bhubaneswar: Odisha has intensified relief, restoration and rehabilitation operations following Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods, with Ganjam and Kandhamal emerging as the worst-affected districts.
The administration has evacuated thousands of people, restored essential services and mobilised emergency teams to bring normal life back on track.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil on Sunday said the government was taking measures on a war footing to address the situation and ensure assistance to affected people across the state.
According to the SRC, a total of 1,18,730 people have been affected by the cyclone and subsequent floods. Kandhamal district reported three deaths, while the administration evacuated 75,855 people to safer locations as part of its precautionary and rescue operations.
As many as 396 relief camps have been opened to accommodate the evacuated population and provide necessary assistance. Special attention has also been given to pregnant women in the affected areas. A total of 807 pregnant women were shifted to safer places, of whom 399 have since delivered babies.
The disaster has also caused extensive damage to agriculture and housing. Crop damage has been reported across 75,388 hectares, while 1,672 houses have been damaged in the affected areas.
Power restoration gathers pace in Southern Odisha
Restoration of electricity supply has been a major priority, particularly in cyclone-hit areas of Southern Odisha. More than 6,400 personnel have been deployed to expedite repair and restoration work.
According to the SRC, electricity supply has been fully restored in Boudh, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts, as well as Berhampur city. Overall, more than 96% of power supply has been restored across Southern Odisha.
Efforts are also underway to normalise drinking water supply, which remains a concern in parts of the affected region.
In Berhampur, against the city’s daily water requirement of 90 million litres per day (MLD), the current supply stands at 70 MLD. To bridge the shortfall, 20 water tankers have been deployed to provide supplementary drinking water.
The administration has also undertaken disinfection and restoration of drinking water sources in the affected areas. A total of 2,575 tubewells and 162 rural piped water supply projects have been disinfected and made operational.
In addition, lakhs of drinking water bottles and pouches have been distributed among people.
To restore normal water supply, construction of a sand bund at Janibali is progressing on a war footing. Around 120 workers and three Poklain machines have been engaged in the work.
Fresh weather alert, coastal areas under watch
Meanwhile, the government is keeping a close watch on the weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal. The deep depression formed over the Bay is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 3.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting the authorities to step up preparedness in vulnerable areas. Instructions have been issued at the government level to ensure immediate and effective measures to deal with the evolving cyclone and rainfall situation.
The administration has been asked to closely monitor vulnerable regions and remain prepared to evacuate people from low-lying and high-risk coastal areas to safer locations.
Disaster response forces have been kept ready, while arrangements are being made for relief camps, drinking water and emergency medical services. Fishermen have been strictly warned against venturing into the sea in view of the extremely rough sea conditions.
The state government is maintaining close surveillance over the situation and has directed the concerned authorities to remain prepared for any eventuality.
Berhampur Forest Division rescues 10 blackbucks
Amid the ongoing relief and restoration operations, the Berhampur Forest Division has also reported a successful wildlife rescue operation, safely rescuing 10 blackbucks from flood-hit Balia village under Khallikote Range during Cyclone Arnab.
The rescue was made possible by advance preparations undertaken by the forest division, which had put in place special arrangements to protect wildlife and ensure public safety during the cyclone.
As part of its preparedness measures, the division established a 24-hour control room at its headquarters, while round-the-clock control rooms were also operated at all range levels. Special emergency response teams comprising range officers and field staff were constituted in four ranges to respond swiftly to emergencies.
These teams worked in coordination with the SDM, Odisha Forest Development Corporation and other concerned departments.
Wildlife movement and vulnerable areas were monitored continuously, with rescue and assistance measures undertaken wherever necessary. The coordinated response also helped clear roads, remove uprooted trees and restore road connectivity in affected areas.
The rescue of the 10 blackbucks from Balia village was one of the notable outcomes of these preparations. Following their rescue, the animals received necessary veterinary treatment and underwent health checks.
After being declared healthy, they were released into a suitable forest habitat near Baniya village in Chikiti Beat under Khallikote Section.
The forest division said the successful rescue and release highlighted the importance of advance preparedness, interdepartmental coordination and the efforts of frontline forest personnel during natural disasters.
It has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening wildlife protection and disaster preparedness through timely intervention and coordinated action.
The forest division has also appealed to the public to immediately inform the concerned control rooms about trees fallen on roads, traffic obstructions or wildlife found in distress. People have been advised to maintain a safe distance from affected areas and endangered animals, allowing trained personnel to undertake rescue operations.
With restoration of essential services, relief for displaced families, and protection of wildlife continuing alongside preparations for the approaching weather system, the state administration remains focused on managing the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab and ensuring public safety.
