Odisha returning to normalcy after cyclone, flood

Odisha is fast returning to normalcy, after a cyclone and the consequent rains wreaked devastation in several coastal areas, officials said on Sunday.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said the flood situation was improving, as there was no rain in any district in the past 24 hours.

"There is rapid improvement in Ganjam district. Electricity has been restored in flood-ravaged Aska and Purusottampur areas in Ganjam district. The situation is getting back to normal in Rayagada district. Road connectivity has been restored in all blocks in Gajapati district," said Sethi.

State Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi monitored the relief and restoration works with senior officials and Districts Collectors of Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada.

These three districts were the worst hit by cyclone "Titli" which made a landfall on October 11.

The SRC said the state government had decided to stop preparing food at relief camps in the flood-affected areas by Sunday evening.

Sethi said a 15-day financial assistance announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will be directly sent to the bank accounts of the affected persons. District collectors are preparing the list of all the affected persons, he added.

The government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the dead.

--IANS

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