Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 31: Relief work in Cyclone Arnab-hit Aska has gathered full pace across the town. Officials and ground teams are working together to speed up recovery. Ganjam Collector and District Magistrate Keerthi Vasan V said the situation is improving steadily. He credited round-the-clock field management and coordination among multiple agencies. Chief Secretary Anu Garg is reviewing progress closely at the state level. She remains in constant touch with the district administration. The aim is to speed up resource deployment and remove hurdles on the ground.
Traffic snarls had initially slowed the movement of emergency teams. Field officers removed heavy commercial vehicles parked along main roads yesterday afternoon. This opened wide corridors for relief convoys to move freely. Minor jams persisted till midday, but traffic eased considerably by evening. Transport officials shifted most stranded buses away from central hubs. The remaining buses will be cleared by early morning. This will ensure smooth access for emergency vehicles and daily commuters.
To strengthen last-mile delivery, the administration has pressed 20 auto-rickshaws and 10 tractors into service. These vehicles began operating last evening. They are reaching narrow lanes and remote pockets earlier cut off by debris.
Safe drinking water remains a top priority for the administration. Ten tankers and nearly 30,000 water bottles reached affected wards by yesterday evening. With demand rising, the tanker fleet was expanded to 30-35 vehicles this morning. Dense neighbourhoods and temporary shelters are now receiving adequate supplies.
Additional high-intensity lighting towers have been installed to tackle widespread power cuts. They now light up key intersections, market areas and operational bases. Generators and fuel reserves are on standby under irrigation department staff. This keeps public spaces lit after dark. Community kitchens are serving freshly cooked meals throughout the day. These meals are a lifeline for displaced families facing long utility disruptions.
TPSODL engineers worked through the night to repair damaged power lines. Crews also removed fallen trees tangled in electrical infrastructure. Power supply is expected to return to most parts of Aska by morning. The Ganjam administration has pledged to continue relief measures for at least a week. Arrangements will stay in place until normal life and essential services fully resume.
