Cyclone Arnab brings heavy rain and floods to Odisha districts

Heavy rain caused by cyclone Arnab hit Odisha's Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts on Thursday, October 29, 2026, washing away roads and trapping people in floodwaters. The India Meteorological Department said Patrapur in Ganjam recorded the highest rainfall at 546 mm. Sorada in Ganjam recorded 503 mm, G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal recorded 462 mm, Mahendragarh in Gajapati recorded 458 mm, Sanakhemundi recorded 388 mm, and Chikiti recorded 309 mm.

Rescue Operations

Floods washed away a stretch of National Highway 326 connecting Berhampur with Mohana, and halted traffic as water flowed over major roads. In Ganjam district, 42,500 people were trapped by floodwaters, while 11,000 people moved to safe shelters. The State government brought in the Coast Guard to airlift people trapped in Dharakote block. A Coast Guard helicopter rescued six people from a flooded Public Health Centre in Jagmohan, including two women, two children, and an elderly person. The State government also sent 15 extra Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force units to Ganjam for rescue work. More than 200 villages across 22 blocks in Ganjam and Gajapati districts faced severe damage. The Rushikulya, Vansadhara and Mahendratanaya rivers swelled dangerously, and floods damaged paddy crops that were almost ready for harvest. State Chief Secretary Anu Garg said heavy rain submerged several areas, and officials hoped water levels would drop soon.

Context

Coastal regions of India often face heavy rainfall and storms during the cyclone season, which can lead to river flooding and major damage to roads and crops. Relief teams are routinely deployed to such areas to rescue stranded residents and manage emergency responses when extreme weather strikes.