Source The Hindu
Relentless downpours from Cyclone Arnab have triggered widespread flooding across southern Odisha, leaving hundreds of villages isolated and cutting off road links. Even as rescue teams work around the clock, weather officials are closely tracking a fresh weather disturbance in the Bay of Bengal that may head straight toward the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Floods Cut Off Villages in Ganjam
In Odisha’s coastal district of Ganjam, overflowing rivers and broken canal banks have submerged vast stretches of farmland and neighborhoods. Floodwaters have trapped residents in around 300 villages, severing direct access to nearby markets, clinics, and clean drinking water.
Key roads remain underwater, and local transport has ground to a halt. Many families have climbed onto rooftops or moved to high-lying school buildings, waiting for waters to recede.
Rescue Teams Rush Food and Medical Care
Disaster response teams, including police and local volunteers, have deployed speedboats to navigate inundated streets.
Food drops and water supply: Relief workers are handing out dry food packets, drinking water pouches, and essential medicines to marooned households.
Shelters active: Thousands of evacuated villagers are staying in temporary storm relief camps where hot meals and basic medical checkups are provided.
Power restoration underway: Snapped electricity lines and downed poles have plunged broad rural areas into darkness, though repair crews are clearing fallen trees to restore the grid.
Fresh Weather System Eyes Andhra Coast
While communities struggle to clean up from Cyclone Arnab’s heavy rain, the India Meteorological Department has spotted a new low-pressure zone over the Bay of Bengal.
Forecasters warn that the system is gaining strength and tracking steadily toward the Andhra Pradesh shoreline. Coastal districts from Visakhapatnam down to Krishna have been put on alert for fresh squalls and heavy downpours.
Warnings for Farmers and Fishermen
Officials have urged fishermen already out at sea to return to the harbors immediately and advised others to avoid venturing into rough waters until early next week. Farmers in both southern Odisha and northern Andhra have been instructed to secure harvested crops and clear drainage channels to avoid further waterlogging in their fields.
Local administrations remain on high readiness, with round-the-clock emergency control rooms set up to respond as the new weather system develops.
