By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 19, 2017: The Odisha government has taken up relief operations on a war footing in flood-ravaged areas of the state.

Naval helicopters have been requisitioned for air-dropping of food packets in affected areas, special relief commissioner Bishnupad Sethi said adding that several teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force and fire brigade personnel have been engaged in rescue and relief operations.

Besides, Coast Guard’s Dorniers dropped food packets and other relief material in flooded areas which has affected in excess of 60,000 people following floods in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. Besides, seven blocks in Nabarangpur district.

Rail traffic between Rayagada and Theruvali has been restored with some restrictions.

“Work on bridge pillars en route is still continuing. Hundreds of labourers and dozens of machines are on the job. A large number of trains were either cancelled or diverted,” said an official of the East Coast Railway.

The official said some trains may remain cancelled for some time while some others may be run on diverted routes.