The Odisha government on Sunday requested aid in the form of 4 Helicopters from the Indian Army and Air Force to rescue people marooned in floods in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. The flood was triggered by a low pressure hit the Orissa coast which caused heavy rainfall in the western and adjoining southern districts. The situation worsened as a panchayat Samiti member’s husband lost his life in a landslide caused by the heavy floods in the Thuamul-Rampur block. Due to the flash floods in both the rivers, over 70 percent area of Kalyansinghpur has been submerged in floodwaters while Rayagada collector has been asked to supervise the relief and rescue operation. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik who reviewed the situation said, Army has been asked for help while Government is making all efforts to mount a massive relief and rescue operation. He asked development commissioner R Balakrishnan to coordinate with all departments. “State control room in SRC office is tracking the situation closely while Indian Army representatives and Indian Air Force Helicopter is being mobilised and district collector is in charge of the situation,” said the CM. According to official sources, at least 14 persons who were either trapped or stranded on rooftops were rescued by teams today. READ MORE- In a row of tweets, PM Modi finally takes a stand against cow vigilantes UAE orchestrated the Qatar Crisis reports Washington Post Voting for the next president post is scheduled to take place today