New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) Two more helicopters have been deployed in Orissa, where hundreds are engaged in rescue operations after devastating floods displaced thousands and killed 17 people.


The home ministry said the newly inducted choppers would drop food packets to the marooned.

With this, the number of helicopters deployed in the state has risen to eight.

The worst flood-hit districts are Jajpur, Bhadrak and Kendrapara.

The rain-fed Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha and Boodhabalanga rivers have ravaged six districts: Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar.

Thousands are in makeshift tents on river embankments after losing their homes.

Ten teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) -- 307 men, 59 boats and rescue equipment -- are carrying out rescue and relief work.