Cyclone Arnab: Naveen Patnaik sends BJD team to flood-hit Ganjam, over 42,000 affected
Synopsis
Cyclone Arnab has left over 42,000 people affected in Ganjam alone — Odisha's worst-hit district — with four other districts also reeling. BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, whose own constituency of Hinjili is in the impact zone, has moved swiftly to send a nine-member party team for a ground assessment, signalling that flood relief will become a sharp political flashpoint in the days ahead.
Key Takeaways
Cyclone Arnab has severely affected five Odisha districts : Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, and Rayagada.
Ganjam is the worst-hit district with 42,564 people affected; Gajapati (30,000) and Kandhamal (12,000) follow.
BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik personally called the Ganjam Collector and urged immediate relief delivery on 30 October 2026 .
A nine-member BJD delegation led by Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik is conducting a two-day field assessment of flood damage.
ODRAF , NDRF , Fire Services, and helicopters are deployed for rescue operations and food distribution across affected areas.
Thousands have been evacuated to relief camps ; roads and infrastructure across several villages remain damaged.
Odisha Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Friday, 30 October 2026, expressed serious concern over the severe flooding in Ganjam district caused by Cyclone Arnab, dispatching a party delegation to assess ground-level damage. Over 42,564 people in Ganjam alone have been affected, making it the worst-hit district in the state.
Patnaik Speaks to Ganjam Collector, Advises Swift Relief
Patnaik personally called the Ganjam District Collector to inquire about the flood situation across the district, including in Hinjili — his own constituency — and Sheragada. The Collector briefed him on ongoing rescue and relief measures. Patnaik urged the administration to ensure the immediate delivery of essential relief to all affected residents.
The BJD chief also advised party workers to stand by the people and extend all possible assistance during what he called a 'difficult time.'
BJD Delegation Led by Pramila Mallik Deployed to Ganjam
A party delegation led by Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik has been sent to Ganjam for a two-day assessment covering Thursday and Friday. The delegation includes Pratap Jena, Tukuni Sahu, Bikram Panda, Dr Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Bhrugu Baxipatra, Chinmoy Sahu, Ranjita Sahu, and Sanghamitra Dalei.
The team will visit flood-affected areas, meet residents, and hold discussions with the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) and the District Collector. A report will subsequently be submitted to Patnaik.
Scale of Cyclone Arnab's Damage Across Odisha
According to state government data, five districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, and Rayagada — have been significantly affected by Cyclone Arnab. Ganjam remains the worst-hit with 42,564 affected persons, followed by Gajapati with 30,000 and Kandhamal with 12,000.
Heavy post-cyclone rainfall has left several villages waterlogged, with extensive damage to roads and infrastructure. Residents from vulnerable and low-lying areas have been evacuated, and relief camps have been set up to accommodate the displaced.
Rescue Operations: ODRAF, NDRF and Helicopters Deployed
Personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Fire Services are currently deployed across affected areas. Helicopters are also being pressed into service for both rescue operations and the aerial distribution of food supplies. Thousands of people have been safely evacuated to relief camps, according to officials.
What Comes Next
The BJD delegation's two-day field assessment is expected to produce a damage report for the Leader of Opposition, which could sharpen opposition pressure on the state government to scale up relief. With multiple districts still waterlogged and infrastructure damage extensive, the pace and reach of official relief operations will remain under close scrutiny in the days ahead.
Point of View
Hinjili — Patnaik's own constituency — is among the affected areas, giving him both a personal and political stake in the relief pace. With over 84,000 people affected across just three districts, the scale of damage makes this a test of the new state government's disaster management capacity. Whether the delegation's report translates into meaningful legislative pressure or remains optics will be the real story to watch.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the impact of Cyclone Arnab on Odisha?
Cyclone Arnab has significantly affected five districts in Odisha — Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, and Rayagada. Ganjam is the worst-hit with 42,564 affected persons, while heavy post-cyclone rainfall has left villages waterlogged and caused widespread damage to roads and infrastructure.
Why has Naveen Patnaik sent a delegation to Ganjam?
Patnaik, as Leader of Opposition and BJD president, dispatched a nine-member party delegation to Ganjam to assess flood damage and relief operations on the ground. The team, led by Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, will submit a report to Patnaik after a two-day visit.
Which areas in Ganjam are most affected by the floods?
Hinjili — Naveen Patnaik's own constituency — and Sheragada are among the areas in Ganjam that Patnaik specifically inquired about when he spoke to the District Collector. Ganjam as a whole has recorded the highest number of affected persons at 42,564.
What rescue operations are underway in flood-hit Odisha?
ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services personnel have been deployed across affected districts for rescue and relief operations. Helicopters are also being used for rescues and aerial food distribution, and thousands of people have been evacuated to relief camps.
Who are the members of the BJD delegation sent to Ganjam?
The delegation is led by Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik and includes Pratap Jena, Tukuni Sahu, Bikram Panda, Dr Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Bhrugu Baxipatra, Chinmoy Sahu, Ranjita Sahu, and Sanghamitra Dalei.
