Bhubaneswar: Stepping up the relief operation in flood-ravaged Ganjam district, Odisha government on Friday launched airdropping of food packets at 21 locations to help people stranded in inaccessible areas.
Four helicopters were pressed into service for carrying food packets and dropping them at the locations. Personnel stationed at these points collected the relief materials and distributed them among the affected and marooned people.
The airdropping operation has been launched to ensure the supply of food items to people in areas where road connectivity has been disrupted by flooding, making it difficult for rescue and relief teams to reach them.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari had earlier announced the aerial delivery of relief materials at 21 locations across Ganjam district.
The Minister had stated that helicopters of the Indian Navy would carry out the operation in several flood-affected areas, including Hinjili, Chikiti, Purushottampur, Sheragada, Dharakote, Aska and Belaguntha.