Brahmapur: An Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) from a local anganwadi and a Master Book Keeper associated with a Self-Help Group (SHG) in Sorada block of Odisha’s Ganjam district demonstrated extraordinary dedication by braving treacherous conditions to deliver essential relief materials to stranded villagers near the Daringibadi border.
In the wake of Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on October 28, washed-away roads, submerged transit routes, and destroyed bridges have left many remote communities across Odisha’s Ganjam district isolated and severely disrupted.
Faced with an impassable, fast-flowing water channel and a complete lack of motorable routes to reach Gazalbadi, these two frontline workers took an extraordinary risk by standing aboard a heavy excavator to cross the strong stream. Though navigating the rushing waters on heavy machinery posed significant safety hazards, their bold journey— captured on video— underscored the remarkable courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment of grassroots workers operating under extreme conditions to ensure aid reaches those in need following natural disasters.
