Five Odisha workers stranded in Iraq

At least five workers from Odisha have been stranded in strife-torn Iraq, an official said Saturday.

All the labourers, mostly plumbers, are from Kendrapada district.

Basudev Tripathy, 25, Niranjan Tripathy, 31 and Rashmi Ranjan Tripathy, 24 of Maho village were reportedly staying in Nafaj province, district labour officer Bighnajit Mohapatra told IANS.

While location of two other workers Madan Mohan Mahalik, 28, of Nandini Nagar village and Santosh Mahalik, 45, of Sandhapali village could not be ascertained, Mohapatra said.

Local labour department officials visited homes of all the five workers and met their families.

Basudev, Niranjan and Rashmi are relatives, he said. According to Mohapatra, the trio were safe and in constant touch with their families.

While the families of other two people said Madan Mohan Mahalik and Santosh Mahalik were safe but under distress condition and want to return home.

"We have informed the state authority for further action," Mohapatra said.