Odisha Floods: Naval Helicopters to Airdrop Food in Ganjam, Says Minister Suresh Pujari

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Bhubaneswar: Naval helicopters will airdrop food packets in flood-affected areas of Odisha’s Ganjam district, while a two-member Central team will visit the state on November 2 to assess the damage caused by the recent floods, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed on Friday.

According to the Minister, 22 locations have been identified across Ganjam district for the airdropping of food packets. These include flood-affected areas of Hinjili, Chikiti, Purushottampur, Sheragada, Dharakote, Aska and Belaguntha.

Naval and Coast Guard helicopters have been deployed for relief and rescue operations, with the Rangeilunda airstrip designated as the nodal centre for coordinating aerial operations.

The Minister said that helicopters would begin airdropping food packets shortly. If necessary, airlifting operations would also be undertaken during the day to rescue stranded people.

Besides, a team of 40 trained personnel will be deployed to deliver cooked food to the affected population.

Ganjam worst affected by floods

Ganjam has emerged as the worst-affected district, while neighbouring Gajapati and Kandhamal have also suffered damage due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

According to the preliminary assessment, all 22 blocks of Ganjam district have been affected, with approximately 43,000 people impacted by the disaster.

As many as 23,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, while 352 relief centres have been set up to accommodate displaced residents.

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A total of 72 villages have been affected, of which nine have suffered particularly severe damage. The Coast Guard has also carried out evacuation operations using helicopters.

Odisha records 18.7% excess rainfall

Sharing rainfall statistics, Pujari said Odisha recorded 132 mm of rainfall between October 1 and October 30, which is 18.7 per cent above normal.

A substantial portion of the rainfall occurred during the last three days. Ganjam district reportedly recorded 118 per cent excess rainfall during this period.

However, a decline in rainfall over the past 24 hours has brought some relief to the affected areas.

The Minister further stated that strong water currents had earlier prevented rescue and relief teams from reaching several locations. With the situation improving on Friday, accessibility to some of these areas has become easier.

Meanwhile, several roads have suffered extensive damage due to landslides, further complicating relief and restoration operations.

Pujari said no casualties had been reported in the latest assessment available to him.

The visiting Central team will assess the extent of damage caused by the floods and review the situation in the affected areas.

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