Odisha CM seeks flood damage report in 7 days

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday directed the collectors of four districts to submit a preliminary report, assessing the damage caused by floods, within seven days.

The districts include Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Cuttack.

In a review meeting here, Patnaik also directed the officials of different departments to tackle the situation in a coordinated manner.

Heavy rainfall during the last two days in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts caused flash floods in the Nagavali, Kalyani and Hati rivers since Sunday.

A review meeting was held by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Monday with different departments on measures taken to ameliorate the sufferings of the flood victims.

More than 28,000 people in 50 villages under Rayagada Block and 20 villages under Kalyansinghpur Block have been affected, said a SRC release.

As many as five persons have been injured in a wall collapse in Rayagada district and are under medical treatment in CHC, Padmapur.

The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services, the Central Reserve Police Force and the National Disaster Response Force have been engaged in relief and rescue operations.

All those trapped due to floods have been rescued, the release added.

About 4,000 people have been evacuated and lodged in 15 temporary shelters where food is being provided to them at free kitchen centres.

Besides, 10 health camps in Rayagada Block and five in Kalyansinghpur Block have been opened.

Similarly, due to heavy rain in Thuamul Rampur, Kalampur, Koksara and Jaipatna Blocks of Kalahandi district, floods occurred in the Hati and Tel rivers in which more than 10,500 people in ten villages of seven blocks have been affected.

Two persons lost their lives. While one died in a landslide, the other drowned. Besides, three persons were injured and admitted to community health centre Kashipur, said the release.

"Free kitchen services have been provided to 384 persons. Two ODRAF teams have been deployed. A total of 17 persons have been rescued at Taratikili village in Bhawanipatna Block. All schools in the district are shut," it added.

--IANS

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