Brahmapur: The flood situation in Ganjam district, battered by cyclone Arnab, is gradually improving, with the number of marooned villages dropping from 21 to three.
As many as 56,051 people have been evacuated to 367 safe shelters, while cooked food is being distributed at 370 locations across the district, Collector V. Keerthi Vasan told reporters on Saturday.
Around 700 people remain stranded in waterlogged areas, with the administration closely monitoring their safety and providing essential assistance. Aerial delivery of food supplies to marooned villages has been completed, while adequate stocks are being maintained to meet food requirements for the next 15 to 20 days.
While river levels are receding, some rivers continue to flow above the danger mark. Restoration of damaged roads, bridges, anicuts and embankments has begun, with priority being given to major routes, including Hinjili-Bhanjanagar, Sorada-Daringbadi and Mohana-Brahmapur roads.
Power supply has been restored in all blocks, with repair work continuing in a few pockets. Special arrangements have been made for 1,262 pregnant women whose deliveries are expected within 15 days. Of them, 661 have been shifted to maternity waiting homes and hospitals, while 391 safe deliveries have been reported.
Extensive rescue arrangements include 42 ODRAF units, 30 NDRF units, 24 Fire Services units and five motorised boats, besides additional teams kept on standby. Drainage operations have also been intensified in Brahmapur to clear waterlogged areas.
Round-the-clock control rooms are functioning across the district. Schools will remain closed until November 2. The administration has assured that relief, rescue and restoration operations will continue with priority on public safety and restoration of normalcy.
