Situation being tracked closely,CRPF on the spot doing rescue and relief work. The choppers, detached for Op- Triveni under the Central Air Command , based at Raipur/Jagdalpur, were on a standby awaiting weather clearance. "As it is not possible to rescue the people through boat and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, the assistance of Indian Air Force is required for the rescue operation and airdrop of relief material in the affected areas of Rayagada district. Four helicopters have been requisitioned," said a defence official.Several areas in adjoining Kalahandi district were also severely affected by the floods caused by incessant rains, disrupting road and rail communications, they said. Emergency control rooms were opened in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Khurda Road and Visakhapatnam, he added.

Source: Times of India July 16, 2017 12:52 UTC