Millions displaced, villages still cut off in Orissa's worst flood in 26 years


With millions displaced and many still awaiting rescue in India's flood-hit Orissa state, ActionAid has said the situation should be declared a 'national calamity', to allow the rapid deployment of federal resources.

According to government reports, over five million people have been affected by floods across 18 districts of Orissa. Continuous rains caused the Mahanadiriver to breach its banks in nearly a hundred places, causing what mediareports describe as Orissa's worst flooding in 26 years. 56 deaths have been reported.

After a national calamity was declared in August in the state of Bihar, New Delhi rapidly mobilised funds, personnel and equipment for flood rescue and relief work.

An ActionAid assessment team returning from the flood-affected areas reported that the transport system has broken down as village roads and rail tracks remain submerged. Boats are the only way to reach most of the affected areas, but are in short supply. Remote villages are cut off, and many people are still waiting for rescue and relief teams to reach them.