Post-Cyclone Rain Leaves Odisha Villages Marooned, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Cyclone Arnab triggered incessant rainfall and severe flooding in Odisha's Ganjam and Gajapati districts, marooning several villages.
• The Odisha government plans to airlift over 2,000 stranded people, coordinating with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for a Coast Guard helicopter.
• Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams are conducting rescue operations using boats, with additional teams dispatched to Ganjam.
• Patrapur block in Ganjam recorded the highest rainfall of 546.6 mm in 24 hours, causing major rivers like Rushikulya and Vamsadhara to flow above danger levels.
• Train services on the Chennai-Howrah route between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha were disrupted due to submerged tracks.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of all possible central assistance for relief and rehabilitation.

Cyclone Arnab.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Villages in Dharakote, Sanakhemundi, Surada, and Patrapur blocks of Ganjam district are severely affected by the floods.
• Low cloud levels initially hindered immediate helicopter deployment, prompting ODRAF to lead initial evacuations.
• Farmers in Ganjam and Gajapati districts faced significant damage to standing paddy crops, with assessment pending water recession.
• Berhampur city experienced severe waterlogging and flash flooding, with rainwater entering households and requiring boat-based rescues.
• Railway disruptions occurred between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi stations in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district.
• The state administration is coordinating with railway authorities to manage stranded passengers, providing road transport for short distances and basic amenities at stations for long-distance travelers.
• The central government's assurance of support highlights the coordinated approach to disaster response in India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF): A specialized unit of Odisha Police established to provide immediate response to natural calamities and industrial accidents in the state.
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG): A maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for coastal security, disaster response, and marine environment protection.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The apex body in India, chaired by the Prime Minister, responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.