Bhubaneswar, October 30: BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Friday spoke to Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan over the phone to take stock of the flood situation in the district.

During the conversation the Collector apprised the former Chief Minister of the rainfall and the current flood situation in Hinjilicut, Sheragada and other affected areas of the district.

For the context, more than 1,000 villages in Ganjam and Gajapati districts bore the brunt of cyclone Arnab which induced pelting rains and triggered flashfloods in two major rivers - Vansadhara and Rushikulya - of south Odisha.

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The Collector briefed Patnaik on the measures taken for the rescue and relief of people affected by the floods.

According to a release issued by Patnaik’s office, the former CM urged the district administration to ensure the immediate delivery of essential relief materials and other assistance to those in need.

“Expressing concern over the unprecedented flooding triggered by Cyclone Arnab, Patnaik said the people of Ganjam were facing immense hardships. He expressed sympathy for the affected families and urged the district administration to ensure the immediate delivery of essential relief materials and other assistance to those in need,” it said.

To assess the ground situation and review the extent of damage and ongoing relief and rescue operations, Patnaik has deputed a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) delegation to Ganjam under the leadership of party Chief Whip Pramila Malik.

The delegation includes senior leaders Pratap Jena, Tukuni Sahu, Bikram Panda, Dr Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Bhrugu Baxi Patra, Chinmaya Sahu, Ranjita Sahu and Sanghamitra Dalai.

The delegation will undertake a two-day visit to Ganjam on Friday and Saturday, during which it will meet affected residents, assess the damage caused by the floods and review the ongoing rescue and relief operations. They will also hold discussions with the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) and the District Collector regarding relief and rescue measures.

Following the visit, the delegation will submit its assessment report to the party president.

Patnaik has also appealed to BJD workers in the district to actively extend assistance and support to those affected by the floods.