Odisha intensifies flood rescue operations as four helicopters airdrop food packets in Ganjam

The Odisha government has stepped up rescue and relief operations in flood-hit Ganjam district, deploying helicopters to deliver essential supplies to thousands of people stranded by severe flooding. Four helicopters operated by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard have been engaged in airdropping food packets at 21 identified locations as several villages remain cut off by rising floodwaters.

Nearly 50,000 people have been severely affected by the floods in Ganjam, where heavy rainfall has submerged residential areas, damaged roads and bridges, and disrupted normal life. Many residents have reportedly remained stranded for more than 24 hours as rescue teams struggle to reach inundated villages.

The situation has been particularly severe in Patrapur block, which recorded an extraordinary 54 cm of rainfall within 24 hours. The intense downpour caused rivers and streams to overflow, resulting in widespread flooding across the district. The Rushikulya river, which breached its banks, inundated several settlements and damaged vital transport links.

Several areas, including Sorada, Aska, Bhanjanagar and Purushottampur, have experienced significant flooding. The destruction of roads and bridges has complicated relief efforts, leaving some communities accessible only through aerial assistance or specialised rescue operations.

The State government has deployed hundreds of rescue teams to deal with the emergency. More than 100 of the 313 teams operating across Odisha are working in Ganjam and neighbouring Gajapati district. Personnel from various emergency response agencies are carrying out evacuation operations and distributing food and other essential supplies.

According to officials, more than 23,000 people have been moved to relief camps across the affected areas. Authorities are continuing efforts to evacuate residents from submerged villages and provide shelter, food and medical assistance to those displaced by the flooding.

Rescue operations have also been hampered by strong water currents and rapidly rising flood levels. Officials said the conditions were initially so dangerous that even modern rescue boats faced difficulties reaching certain locations. The deployment of helicopters has therefore become crucial in delivering supplies to communities that remain inaccessible by road.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is conducting an aerial assessment of the affected districts to review the situation and monitor ongoing relief measures. The State government is coordinating with central agencies to strengthen the response and ensure that assistance reaches the worst-affected communities. Meanwhile, a Central government assessment team is scheduled to visit Odisha on November 2 to evaluate the damage caused by the floods. The team is expected to assess the extent of destruction and examine the assistance required for rehabilitation and reconstruction.