Bhubaneswar, October 30: A Central team will visit Odisha on November 2 to assess the damage caused by Cyclone 'Arnab' in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Meanwhile, naval helicopters will air-drop food packets at 22 locations in Ganjam to provide relief to people affected by the cyclone.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed that Ganjam is the worst-affected district, while Gajapati and Kandhamal have also suffered damage. He said that aerial evacuation would be carried out on Friday as well, if required.

The minister said the reduction in rainfall over the past 24 hours has brought some relief. Odisha received 132 mm of rainfall between October 1 and 30, which is 18.7 per cent above the normal rainfall. A major share of the rainfall was recorded over the past three days, with Ganjam receiving 118 per cent of its normal rainfall during this period.

According to the minister, 22 blocks in Ganjam district have been affected, impacting around 43,000 people. Nearly 23,000 people have been evacuated and shifted to safer locations.

At present, 352 relief centres are operational. Around 72 villages have been affected, of which nine have suffered severe damage.

The Coast Guard has assisted in evacuation operations using helicopters. Meanwhile, naval helicopters will air-drop food packets at 22 locations across Ganjam district.

The air-drop operations will cover areas including Hinjilicut, Chikiti, Purushottampur, Sheragada, Dharakote, Aska and Belaguntha.

The state government is continuing relief and rescue operations in the affected districts, with aerial assistance being arranged wherever necessary.