Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Although Cyclone Arnab has weakened and is moving north towards Chhattisgarh, its impact continues to disrupt normal life across Odisha. Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding, landslides and road blockages in several districts, while authorities have intensified rescue and relief operations amid growing concerns over public safety and crop damage.
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According to the weather update cited in the report, the system is moving towards Chhattisgarh at around 15 kmph and is expected to weaken further into a depression before developing into a well-marked low-pressure area.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Bargarh, while eight other districts remain under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms, lightning and heavy to very heavy rain are likely in the affected areas.
Ganjam Flooding: Rescue Operations Intensified
Ganjam district is among the areas facing serious challenges following days of continuous rainfall. Flooding in Sorada, driven by rising water levels in the Rushikulya River, has inundated parts of the town and nearby villages, leaving residents stranded.
Odisha authorities are seeking assistance from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to airlift around 120 people from four affected locations in Ganjam as part of initial rescue efforts.
Earlier, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg reported that around 2,000 people had been left marooned across 70 villages in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, prompting intensified rescue and relief measures.
Landslides Cut Off Villages in Kandhamal and Gajapati
Continuous rainfall has triggered fresh landslides in Kandhamal district, including along Kalinga Ghat, disrupting road connectivity. Falling boulders and uprooted trees have created additional risks for commuters travelling through hilly areas.
In neighbouring Gajapati district, landslides and flash floods have blocked roads, damaged access routes and disrupted connectivity with several villages. A landslide along the Balibada Ghati road in Mohana block reportedly cut off six villages.
The disruption has also affected emergency travel. In Ganjam, a landslide at Taptapani Ghat forced an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient to turn back while travelling towards Berhampur. The patient was subsequently admitted to Mohana hospital in Gajapati.
Train Services Disrupted, Farmers Face Crop Losses
The effects of the heavy rainfall have extended to railway operations. The East Coast Railway has cancelled eight train services and curtailed three others on October 28 and 29 due to waterlogging and operational disruptions. Passengers have been advised to check train status before travelling.
Meanwhile, farmers in Malkangiri are concerned about damage to paddy crops ahead of the harvest. Strong winds and persistent rainfall have flattened standing crops, while waterlogging has submerged some ripe and unripe paddy fields.
Authorities Monitor Situation as Rain Continues
The weakening of Cyclone Arnab has not brought an immediate end to the weather-related challenges. With heavy rain continuing in several parts of Odisha, concerns remain over flooding, road connectivity, agricultural losses and the safety of people in vulnerable areas.
Residents in affected districts are advised to follow official weather warnings, avoid flooded roads and landslide-prone routes, and cooperate with local authorities during rescue and relief operations.
