No direct cyclone, flood deaths in Ganjam; casualties caused by landslides: Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar, Nov 12 (UNI) Amid Opposition criticism over the government's handling of Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday asserted that no direct casualties had been reported in Ganjam district due to the cyclone or flooding, clarifying that the deaths recorded were attributable to landslides. Addressing a press conference here, Pujari said landslides had emerged as a major concern in the wake of the recent extreme weather events and the government was working with scientific, technical and expert institutions to formulate effective strategies to tackle the growing challenge. Responding to allegations…