Ganjam Worst Hit by Floods; Relief and Rescue Operations Scaled Up, Says Suresh Pujari

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed on Thursday that Ganjam district has emerged as the worst-affected region following heavy rainfall driven by the remnants of Cyclone Arnab.Addressing a press conference, Minister Pujari stated that over 42,500 people across 208 panchayats in 22 blocks and 56 urban wards have been impacted, with 22 villages currently fully submerged.Extremely heavy rainfall inundated the region, with Patrapur block recording a historic 546 mm within 24 hours—the highest single-day rainfall recorded in Odisha over the last 35 years.The Rushikulya River has crossed its danger mark at Purusottampur, while the Ghodahada River is also overflowing, inundating key bridges and disconnecting roads across Sanakhemundi, Asika, Sorada, and Digapahandi.In response, the state government has deployed 52 ODRAF, 5 NDRF, and 45 Fire Services teams alongside 16 government and 25 private boats to carry out rescue and relief operations.Helicopter airlifting operations have been initiated, though heavy cloud cover and inclement weather have caused operational delays. Administrative teams are actively evacuating residents from low-lying areas to designated shelter camps while supplying essential food and emergency provisions…