Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: While Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi confirmed death of 61 persons in Cyclone Titli and subsequent floods, another body was recovered from a nullah in Mohana block of R Udaygiri district today taking the death toll to 62.

The deceased, a native of Badihara village under Anaka panchayat was missing since October 11, informs Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Anil Pradhan.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Secretary reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation works in affected districts during a high-level meeting meeting held at State Secretariat today.

“The verified deaths due to Cyclone Titli stand at 61 while the verification process for another 11 casualties in still on. There are three fishermen from Andhra Pradesh among the casualties in the State,” said Padhi.

Padhi further informed that the work for distribution of relief and rehabilitation is being carried out on a war footing in the blocks and districts affected by Cyclone Titli and subsequent floods.

Other than one link between Sorada and Daringbadi on Raipur-Gopalpur NH, all other roads have been repaired. Also 570 out of 650 piped water supply connections in rural areas have been restored.

Electricity supply in all the affected districts baring Gajapati has been restored. Out of the total 1.02 lakh connections, electricity supply to 60,000 has been completed.

“As there were problems in getting adequate labour force due to Durga puja, there were problems in executing works. However, electricity supply in Gajapati district is likely to be restored by October 22,” Padhi added.

Senior officials further informed that distribution of cash relief to the affected persons has been almost completed with Rs 11 crore cash distributed in Gajapati district alone.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi informed that standing crops in nearly 2.7 lakh hectares have been damaged during Cyclone Titli and subsequent floods in different parts of the State.

“We have submitted a fund requirement of Rs 2,770 crore basing on the preliminary assessment to the State government and are waiting for final report. Our focus is now on restoration of roads, relief and rehabilitation,” said Sethi.

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