Flood under control, quick relief to people government's priority: Odisha CM Majhi
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who made an aerial survey of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Keonjhar districts on Wednesday, said flood situation is under control and collectors have been directed to submit damage assessment reports at the earliest.
Nearly 30,000 people in 81 villages across eight blocks of three districts have been affected in the recent floods caused by heavy rains, Majhi said and added that adequate assistance to the impacted population would be extended immediately once the loss reports reach the government.
Addressing mediapersons after making the aerial assessment with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryabanshi, the chief minister said Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi and Jaleswar blocks in Balasore, Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak and Jajpur and Dasarathpur in Jajpur have been impacted. About 5,869 people have been shifted from the flood-hit zones to safer places. Though there was flood in Keonjhar, it did not have much impact, he said.
Majhi said the flood situation is completely under control as water level in all the rivers including Subarnarekha and Jalaka in Balasore district is falling. Collectors have been asked to assess the damage and submit report so that assistance can be provided to the affected population immediately. Repair of damaged roads for restoration of connectivity will be taken up on priority.
He said dry and hot cooked food are being provided to people in the flood-affected areas through 29 free kitchens in the three districts. At least, 10,000 affected people are receiving cooked food on a daily basis. The free kitchens would continue for the next seven days.
The chief minister said emphasis has been laid on purification of water sources, control diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases. Districts have been asked to keep a close watch on the situation.
He also said health department has been asked to stock up anti-venom and other necessary medicines in large quantities to prevent snake bite deaths. Adequate supply of fodder for domestic animals has been made in the affected areas, he added.
The state government has deployed 17 ODRAF and 13 fire service teams in Balasore, one NDRF, ODRAF and 13 fire service teams in Bhadrak and one ODRAF and 14 fire service units in Jajpur district.