The Odisha government on Sunday asked the Indian Army and Air Force to rescue people marooned in floods in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, reported IANS. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s government also requested the Centre to provide four helicopters to intensify rescue and relief operations.

After holding an emergency meeting in Bhubaneswar with officials, Patnaik said the water level of Nagabali and Kalyani rivers had risen due to continuous heavy rainfall. Many places in Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district and Kalahandi district were inundated. IAF aircraft will be used to rescue people trapped on rooftops of submerged houses in Kalyansinghpur block, the chief minister said.

Patnaik said the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force and fire services units have been sent to expedite rescue operations. “With prompt response we have been able to rescue most people affected by flash floods in Nagabali and Kalyani rivers in Raygada district,” Patnaik tweeted.

Several bridges, including a railway overbridge, were washed away due to incessant rain in Rayagada and Kalahandi. “We are closely monitoring the situation,” said Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi. “We are trying to evacuate the stranded people as several areas have been cut off and people have taken shelter on rooftops.”