Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 30: Today at the State Emergency Control Room, Rajiv Bhawan, a detailed review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Shri Suresh Pujari, along with the SRC and senior-level officials, to assess the damage caused by continuous rainfall under the impact of Cyclone Arnab. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has occurred in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Emphasis was given on continuous monitoring of the post-cyclone situation and coordinated action to ensure public safety and reduce the impact of the disaster.
According to Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, and Rayagada districts have been most affected by Cyclone Arnab. While Ganjam district is the worst affected, extensive damage has also occurred in Gajapati and Kandhamal. Due to post-cyclone rainfall, many villages have been waterlogged and roads have been extensively damaged.
In this situation, ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services have been deployed in the affected areas for rescue and relief operations. Rescue operations and distribution of food materials are also being carried out via helicopter. Thousands of people have been safely shifted to relief camps.
Most affected are Ganjam (42,564), Gajapati (30,000), and Kandhamal (12,000) districts. People from vulnerable areas have been safely evacuated. Relief camps (shelters) have been opened for the affected people.
During this evacuation process, pregnant women are being brought to safe places on a priority basis and provided with necessary healthcare and medicines. Additionally, dry food, rice, jaggery, polythene sheets, and clean drinking water are being distributed in the relief camps. Instructions have been given to restore damaged roads and electricity services on a war footing. Relief and rehabilitation work in the affected districts has been intensified by the State Government.
