Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday reviewed the restoration operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Yaas and directed officials to carry out the works on a war-footing basis.
Patnaik asked officials to submit reports in seven days on damage caused to houses due to the cyclonic storm in the affected districts.
Holding the review through video conferencing, he asked to restore the drinking water facilities and power supply in cyclone-affected areas as soon as possible. He expressed hope that road communications will be restored by tonight.
In view of possibility of medium flood in Baitarani, Patnaik directed officials to keep a close vigil on the low-lying areas along the river.
He hailed the administrative officials deployed in the field for successful management of Cyclone Yaas. “The execution of the plans was flawless, leading to a splendid management of Cyclone Yaas,” Patnaik said.
Moreover, thanking both the State and Central agencies, IMD and NDRF for their cooperation, Patnaik hoped that the restoration and rehabilitation works will be executed with the same plan.
Participating in the review meeting, Chief Secretary, Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said that power supply has been restored in almost 75% to 80% areas. "The electricity connection could not be restored in the areas marooned in the cyclone. They will be electrified soon.”
Adding up, the Energy Department said that 23 lakh consumers out of the 30 lakh affected by the cyclone will be provided with power by tonight.
The Works Department informed that, the infrastructure of all the COVID hospitals is intact. Roads will be cleared for communication by tonight after cutting and removing the uprooted trees.
Similarly, 350 roads under the Rural Development Department were blocked and they will be cleared by tonight, informed the Rural Development Department.
It is pertinent to mention here that, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday undertook an aerial survey of the affected areas to assess the damages caused by the calamity.
Prior to that, Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday had directed officials to provide relief materials to all the residents of marooned villages in the State which were largely affected by the very severe cyclonic storm Yaas.