Odisha provides Ganjam an additional ₹20 crore for flood relief after Cyclone Arnab

Odisha provided Ganjam district an additional ₹20 crore for relief and emergency assistance on 30 October 2026, after flooding caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent heavy rain across southern Odisha. More than ₹5 crore had already been provided to the district.

Survey and relief operations

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil surveyed flood-affected areas in Ganjam and nearby districts by helicopter. National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire-service teams were involved in response operations; Navy and Coast Guard helicopters were also deployed for rescue and relief work.

The district administration aimed to deliver relief supplies, cooked food, drinking water, blankets and other essentials to every flood-affected village by that night. The state said a central team would assess the damage after conditions normalised. Restoration of damaged roads and interrupted electricity services was also directed.

Important Facts for Exams

• State-level responsibility: India assigns disaster management to state governments, with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs acting as the nodal ministry for natural disasters.
• Deputation-based staffing: NDRF battalions are staffed by personnel deputed from central armed police forces, including the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles.
• Specialist rescue teams: Each NDRF battalion can provide 18 self-contained specialist search-and-rescue teams, with engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical personnel.