Cyclone Arnab Triggers Flooding and Rescue Operations in Odisha’s Ganjam and Gajapati Districts

Heavy rains from Cyclone Arnab inundated southern Odisha on Oct 28-29, 2026. In Ganjam, Patrapur recorded 546 mm of rain in 24 h, with nearby stations also reporting over 460 mm (IMD). Mahendragarh in Gajapati logged 458 mm. The Rushikulya and Vamsadhara rivers rose above danger levels, flooding more than 200 villages across 22 blocks and leaving over 2,000 people stranded in hamlets such as Sanakhemundi, Asika and Gopalpur.

New Indian Express

The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the state is coordinating with the Union Home Ministry to secure an Indian Coast Guard helicopter. The first phase will airlift 120 people from four locations, while ODRAF teams continue ground rescues. Garg noted low cloud cover could delay flights but expressed confidence that rains will ease.

Deccan Chronicle

Rising water submerged a railway bridge on the Ichchapuram–Jhadupudi line in Srikakulam district, halting train movements. The East Coast Railway cancelled nine trains—including the Vande Bharat Express (Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam) and the Visakha Express (Bhubaneswar–Secunderabad)—and diverted 14 services via alternate routes. Passengers were directed to the nearest stations where basic amenities were provided.

New Indian ExpressCyclone Arnab disrupts Howrah-Chennai route in Odisha; 9 trains cancelled, 14 diverted after Bahuda river crosses danger mark at 2 bridges The Indian Express

• Rainfall (24 h): Patrapur 546 mm; Mahendragarh 458 mm.

The Hindu

• River levels: Vamsadhara 55.37 m (danger 54.60 m); Rushikulya 19.20 m (danger 16.84 m).

New Indian Express

• People affected: > 2,000 marooned; 120 slated for airlift.

Hindustan Times

• Train impact: 9 cancellations, 14 diversions; bridge submergence halted services.

The Indian Express

Chief Secretary Anu Garg emphasized coordination with the Union Home Ministry and the Coast Guard. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported 17 districts under heavy rain, with Gajapati the worst-hit, and reiterated the state’s “zero-casualty” goal. Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged “all possible assistance” and central support for relief. IMD Director Manorama Mohanty warned of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” across several districts.

Hindustan Times

• “Since rainfall still continues in Ganjam and the cloud level is very low, Coast Guard officials are assessing the situation before taking up the evacuation work. In the meantime, the ODRAF team is also trying to evacuate the stranded people with the help of boats,” — Anu Garg

The Indian Express

• “The State government is in contact with the Union ministry of home affairs, and arrangements are being made to airlift some people from the marooned areas. The Indian Coast Guard will provide a chopper and make the necessary arrangements,” — Anu Garg

Deccan Chronicle

• “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places, in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts,” — Manorama Mohanty

The Hindu

State agencies, the Coast Guard and central ministries are working to prevent loss of life and restore transport links. While the cyclone’s winds are expected to subside, the IMD has issued red alerts for several districts and cautioned that additional heavy rainfall may occur over the next 24 hours. Monitoring of river levels and road conditions continues, with relief teams on standby.

The Hindu

Sources differ on the exact number of villages cut off: some cite 200, others 300-400 across Ganjam and Gajapati. The figure of 2,000 people stranded is consistent, while the airlift target may adjust as conditions evolve. No casualties have been reported, aligning with the state’s “zero-casualty” claim.

The Hindu