Cyclone Arnab impact in Odisha

Cyclone Arnab and subsequent flooding and landslides have caused significant destruction across Odisha, particularly in the Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts. The disaster resulted in multiple casualties, including five confirmed deaths and ten missing persons in Ganjam. In the village of Gidipabali, massive debris swept away much of the settlement.

An eight member Inter-Ministerial Central Team, led by Ravi Shankar of the Ministry of Home Affairs, is conducting field assessments to evaluate damage to agricultural crops, irrigation, roads, bridges, and power infrastructure. The team has specifically reviewed damage to river embankments, canals, and public health institutions like the Asika Sub-Divisional Hospital.

The Odisha government has initiated several relief measures. School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond announced the provision of new textbooks for students in affected districts. To address the risk of future landslides, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the government plans to permanently relocate high-risk villages from hilltops and foothills to safer locations on the plains. Survivors in relief camps may receive rehabilitation through the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana welfare scheme, while search operations by the NDRF and ODRAF continue.