KENDRAPARA: In the face of the devastating floods in Kendrapara district, a 32-year-old ASHA worker has emerged as a true hero by braving strong currents and torrential rain to rescue stranded villagers and distribute medicines, drinking water and other relief materials in the worst-affected Padanipala panchayat under Aul block.
So far, Kaveri has reportedly rescued around 30 people including nine pregnant women and several children from remote areas of the flood-hit panchayat using a makeshift raft made of banana trunks.
Large parts of Padanipala panchayat, located near the Brahmani river, remained marooned, forcing many villagers to remain confined to their homes. Mud and slush covered large stretches of the affected areas, making movement extremely difficult. However, the ASHA worker ventured into the flooded villages on her makeshift raft to render essential services and evacuate people.
The ASHA worker said she was involved in evacuating people for the past 15 days despite torrential rain and gusty winds. “It is my duty to save villagers, particularly women and children. Though it was dangerous, I decided to venture into the inaccessible areas and rescue them,” she said.
Villagers lauded Kaveri for her efforts. “She did an excellent job by saving the lives of many. Apart from rescue work, she along with other health workers also provided us with cooked food and medicines. She turned into a saviour for us,” said 76-year-old Malati Jena who was rescued by Kaveri last week.
Another villager Sandhyarani Mallick (45) said with displaced snakes and crocodiles increasingly entering the waterlogged human habitations, the flood has created an additional threat to residents. Yet, Kaveri continues to sail her makeshift raft into the affected areas to help those stranded.
Medical officer of Aul community health centre Pranab Kumar Shukya also heaped praises on the ASHA worker. “Kaveri is a true hero. She dared to confront the strong currents in the flood-hit villages to rescue people and provide medicines to those affected,” he said.