Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik this evening reviewed restoration works in the aftermath of Cyclone Yaas and directs officials to carry out the work on a war-footing basis. He further asked officials to submit reports of house damage in seven days.
The Chief Minister laid focus on relief, restoration and rehabilitation. He said that relief had been declared for seven days in the affected-flooded areas and all relief and rehabilitation work be taken up on a war-footing basis.
He also directed the administration to be vigilant as there is a possibility of flooding in the low-lying area of the Baitarani river.
Praising the administrative officials for their outstanding contribution in the management of Cyclone Yaas, the Chief Minister said that Cyclone Yaas has been successfully dealt with due to proper planning and flawless management in all sectors.
“Odisha has once again proved to be very successful and effective in managing natural disasters with the help of the public,” he said.
The Chief Minister thanked all the people, civil society organizations of the storm-affected districts for their cooperation in the relief and evacuation process.
The Odisha CM also thanked the Central Government and various Central Organizations such as NDRF, IMD, and other Central Organizations for their cooperation.
Finally, the Chief Minister advised continuing to work with such efficiency in the restoration and rehabilitation work.
It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Minister Naveen took an aerial survey of flood-affected regions of the state.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said that Bhadrak and Balasore districts were the worst affected. About 75 to 80 percent of power restoration work is completed, he said, adding that power supply is yet to be restored in the submerged areas. He informed that arrangements are being made for drinking water through the DG sets, tanker.
Special Relief Commissioner P.K Jena, in a presentation, said that 7.10 lakh people in 12 districts were evacuated and housed in 8410 cyclone shelters. He said there was heavy rainfall in as many as 200 blocks. The Kusumi block of Mayurbhanj received 515 mm of rainfall, he said.
The Odisha SRC acknowledged that the flood threat in the Subarnarekha and Budhabalang rivers is minimal but flood risk is looming in the low-lying areas of the Baitarani River.
The Energy Department informed that all 33kV and 11 kV feeder repairs are underway and will be completed soon. Of the 30 lakh affected consumers, the electricity supply to23 lakh consumers will be restored by this evening.
The Department of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water informed that a total of 62 blocks were affected in the cyclone. All piped water projects are functional. Besides, 571 piped water projects are being run through the generator sets and drinking water is being supplied to the submerged areas through 346 tankers. Additional tankers have been sent to Balasore and Bhadrak districts. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has reported that the drinking water supply has been normalized in all municipalities.
According to the Department of Women and Child Development, 4,500 pregnant women were identified. Of those, 2,100 were transferred to hospitals. 750 newborns were born during the very severe cyclonic storm Yaas.
Similarly, the Department of Public Works informed that the infrastructure in all the Covid hospitals was in good condition. By this evening, all roads blocked by trees will be cleared. As many as 350 roads were cleared by the Rural Development Department by this evening.
During the meeting, the district Collectors of Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, and Kendrapara informed about the ongoing rehabilitation programs in the district. The Chief Minister lauded the work of the district administration and suggested that such work continue.
Chief Minister’s Secretary (5T) V.K. Pandian coordinated the meeting. The Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of the concerned departments were present.
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