India, Oct. 31 -- The Odisha government has stepped up rescue and relief operations across southern districts battered by exceptionally heavy rain brought by Cyclone Arnab on October 28. The rainfall may also have been influenced a second cyclonic system to the storm's northeast.

The downpour sent rivers, including the Rushikulya and Mahendratanaya, swelling, triggering floods and landslides that washed away roads and bridges and left villages marooned across seven districts-Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Rayagada.

Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal are among the worst-affected districts. Several villages remain cut off by floodwaters, with food and other essential supplies being delivered by helicopter. A...