Bhubaneswar, 01 November (H.S.): The Odisha Government has intensified relief, restoration and rehabilitation measures on a war footing to deal with the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods. The administration is also making extensive preparations to meet the threat posed by a fresh weather system over the Bay of Bengal and ensure the safety of life and property.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil on Sunday briefed the media on the cyclone and flood situation, the progress of restoration work and the preparedness measures being undertaken to tackle the possible impact of the impending weather system.

Ganjam and Kandhamal are among the worst-affected districts. According to the SRC, a total of 1,18,730 people have been affected by the disaster. Three deaths have been reported in Kandhamal district, while the administration evacuated 75,855 people to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

As many as 396 relief camps have been opened to accommodate the evacuated people and provide them with essential assistance. The administration also shifted 807 pregnant women to safer places, of whom 399 have since delivered babies. The disaster has affected 75,388 hectares of agricultural land and damaged 1,672 houses.

Power and drinking water restoration expedited

Restoration of electricity supply in the cyclone-affected areas of southern Odisha is progressing rapidly. More than 6,400 personnel have been deployed for the work. Power supply has been fully restored in Boudh, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts, as well as in Berhampur city. Overall, more than 96 per cent of the electricity supply in southern Odisha has been restored.

Efforts are also underway to restore normal drinking water supply in the affected areas. Against Berhampur city's daily requirement of 90 million litres per day (MLD), the current supply stands at 70 MLD. Twenty water tankers have been deployed to meet the additional demand.

In the affected areas, 2,575 tube wells and 162 rural piped water supply projects have been disinfected and restored to operation. Lakhs of drinking water bottles and pouches have also been distributed among people.

Meanwhile, work to restore the drinking water supply is being carried out on a war footing at Janibali, where a sand bund is being constructed with the deployment of 120 workers and three Poclain machines.

Government on alert over fresh weather system

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 3. In view of the possible impact of the system, the state government has directed the administration to take prompt and effective precautionary measures to deal with the anticipated cyclone and rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for the Andhra Pradesh coast, while vulnerable areas are being continuously monitored. The administration has made extensive arrangements to evacuate people living in low-lying and high-risk coastal areas to safer locations, if required.

Disaster response forces have been kept on standby. Arrangements are also being made to ensure the availability of relief camps, safe drinking water and emergency medical services.

Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

The government has reiterated that all necessary measures are being taken to protect lives and property. People have been urged not to panic, remain alert and follow official advisories and instructions issued by the administration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda