India
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the three district collectors to closely monitor the situation and shift the people living in vulnerable areas to safer places
Bhubaneshwar: Following severe cyclonic storm and heavy rains, several districts in Odisha are facing a flood-like situation. The situation remains vulnerable, especially in Ganjam, Rayagada and Gajapati districts where the remote areas have been cut off due to the incessant rains after Titli hit the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast on Thursday morning.
According to sources, chief minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the three district collectors to closely monitor the situation and shift the people living in vulnerable areas to safer places. He has asked them to focus on early restoration of power supply and emergency services.
Besides, the government has also sought crop and house damage assessment reports within seven days. Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi said two Indian Navy choppers from Vishakapatnam will be pressed into action in Ganjam district to expedite the relief and rescue operations.
“The two choppers are on the way to Ganjam. They will carry out the relief and rescue operations in Aska and Puroshotam areas,” said Padhi. He said 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 12 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed in various districts.
Road and electricity restoration works were also in full swing in the affected districts. Padhi said: “We have seen media reports of the deaths of two or three persons in these districts. We are verifying it.” The water is flowing above danger level in Vansadhara, Rusikulya and Jalaka rivers.
A total of 16 blocks have received about 200-300 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours while 60 blocks received 100-200 mm rainfall in the state. Some blocks received above 300 mm rainfall.
(With agency reports)
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