Govt intensifies relief work as flood situation remains grim

The flood situation in Orissa remained grim with 1,109 villages marooned and 1.92 million people affected in 19 districts. The floods have claimed 17 lives, damaged 23,816 houses and impacted 1,45,789 hectares of cultivable area even as the state government intensified its efforts to offer relief and rescue operations on a war footing.

Four helicopters have been pressed into service for air dropping of food packets in the most affected areas including Marsaghai in Kendrapara district, Tirtol and Kujang in Jagatsinghpur district and Gop in Puri district.

As per reports received from collectors of 12 districts, 1,48,011 persons have been evacuated from low lying areas to safer places and provided with emergency food assistance. In addition, 270 relief camps have been opened in the inundated areas, covering 1,33,806 persons. As many as 911 boats have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.

Considering the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik accompanied by minister for revenue and disaster management S N Patro undertook an aerial survey of the flood hit areas in parts of western Orissa including Hirakud, Sambalpur and Bargarh.

"We took an aerial survey of the flood affected areas of Hirakud, Sambalpur and Bargarh. Our foremost priority is to carry out relief and rescue operations. After completion of the relief and rescue operations, the state government will make a detailed estimate of the loss caused by the floods. Then, we will decide on the issue of declaration of package for the flood hit people or even seeking Central assistance on the matter,” said S N Patro.

Meanwhile, water levels in all rivers barring the Mahanadi river remained below the danger level. Official records said that there was substantial decrease in inflow to the Hirakud reservoir which was recorded at 0.3 million cusecs at 3 pm. The dam authorities have been able to keep only 16 gates open with discharge of 0.33 million cusecs.

"After receding of water levels, our emphasis has been on restoring communication in water logged areas and ensuring good health and water supply to the affected people,” said Special Relief Commissioner P K Mohapatra.