Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has decided not to celebrate Diwali this year as a mark of solidarity with people affected by devastating floods and landslides in Odisha's Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.

Patnaik said floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab had caused extensive damage in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, leaving thousands of people in distress. He expressed concern over the plight of affected families who were struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

He also pointed out that several people remained missing following landslides in Kandhamal district, with rescue teams continuing operations to trace those feared trapped under the debris.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the BJD chief said he would refrain from celebrating the festival of lights this year in view of their suffering.

Patnaik is currently visiting flood-hit areas of Ganjam district to assess the damage caused by the disaster and interact with affected residents.

Meanwhile, the death toll from Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods in Odisha rose to six on Sunday, while 10 people remained missing. The state government has also announced a special relief package for affected families.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh P Patil said Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, and the subsequent floods had affected 1.18 lakh people across Odisha. The disaster damaged 1,672 houses and affected 75,388 hectares of agricultural land.

In one of the worst incidents, Gidipabali, a hilltop village situated on the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts and home to around 26 people, was virtually wiped off the map after massive quantities of sludge and debris cascaded down the hills following heavy cyclone-induced rainfall, flattening houses.

At least 13 residents who managed to escape the landslide have been shifted to a relief centre near G Udaygiri.

Learning from the disaster, the state government has been adopting new strategies to strengthen its disaster mitigation measures.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is traditionally celebrated with earthen lamps, colourful illuminations and prayers for happiness and prosperity. This year, the festival will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, according to the Hindu calendar, amid some confusion over whether it falls on November 8 or 9.