Odisha CM conducts aerial survey of cyclone-hit districts

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected by cyclone Titli and consequent flood in the state.

The Chief Minister said the flood caused by the cyclone damaged crops and communication installations in many areas.

"Did an aerial survey of the flood affected areas in Gajapati, Rayagada and Ganjam districts; noted widespread damage to crops, roads, electrical installations etc. Rescue and relief operations are in full swing," tweeted the Chief Minister.

He said the government is taking all measures to provide relief to the affected people.

"Maximum damage has been done to agricultural crops, roads and trees. The relief work is going on," the Chief Minister said after the aerial survey.

He also appreciated efforts of Indian Navy divers in high-risk operations at Aska to save the lives of people marooned in their flooded homes post-Titli.

"We will take every possible step to reach each affected person with required help," said Patnaik.

The Indian Navy also deployed two helicopters to carry out relief and rescue operations in Ganjam and Gajapati districts.

As many as 11 districts are affected following heavy rainfall in the state. The districts are: Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Puri, Kandhamal, Kendrapada, Keonjhar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khorda and Jagatsinghpur.

Over 45 lakh people have been affected while 3.42 lakh people have been evacuated and sheltered in 1,268 relief centres due to the cyclone and subsequent flood.

--IANS

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