Cyclone Dana: People stranded in inundated areas are being evacuated, says CM Mohan Majhi

Photo: OTV

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi

People stranded in the low-lying areas inundated with flood water are currently being rescued by power boats and brought to safer places post Cyclone Dana, informed Chief Minister Mohan Majhi after reviewing the damages and restoration work on Saturday.

“As per the latest report, a total of 8, 09, 513 were evacuated and shifted to the cyclone shelters during the cyclonic storm. As a result, our target of zero casualties was achieved. Several people wished to return home after the effect of the cyclone subsided. Now, only 1,10, 770 persons are still staying in the cyclone shelters as their areas have been inundated by flood water. We have requested them not to return home till normalcy returns. The flood situation post-cyclone has emerged as a new challenge. Budhabalanga river in Mayurbhanj is in spate and the low-lying areas in Kendrapara have been inundated with flood water. As many as 11 and 10 extra power boats have been sent to Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts respectively. We have kept a strong vigil on the increase in water levels in various rivers. As per latest reports, the water levels in various rivers are not increasing anymore as rain has stopped in upper catchment areas,” said CM Majhi.

“A total of 28 persons including 15 men and 13 women suffered from snake bites. They are now out of danger after undergoing treatment. Unfortunately, a doctor also suffered from snake bite while providing treatment to people in cyclone-affected areas. The doctor has been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and his condition is improving. NDRF, ODRAF teams with extra power boats have been sent to low-lying areas and rescue operation is going on there on a war footing,” the CM further said.

“Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore districts have been mostly affected by the cyclonic storm. The roads blocked in the areas due to uprooting of huge trees have been cleared. Electricity service restoration work has almost been finished and it will be fully completed by tomorrow. Electricity service was disconnected from 22,84,000 families and it has been restored in as many as 92 per cent of families. Crops have been damaged in around two lakh acres of farmlands. An estimate of the damage will be done after the water subsides. Subsequently, compensation amount will be provided to the affected farmers,” he added.