A Central team on Sunday held preliminary discussions with the Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) ahead of the assessment of the damages caused by the recent cyclonic storm ‘Jawad’ in several parts of the State.
The inter-ministerial central team led by Saurav Ray, Joint Secretary (CEPI), Ministry of Home Affairs, is scheduled to conduct an intensive survey in the districts affected by the cyclone Jawad.
As per official sources, the Central team will conduct the damage assessment in six districts- Cuttack, Jajpur, Ganjam, Puri, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur.
“The Central team arrived yesterday and they will tour six districts extensively for two days. They will hold discussions with the State government after their review,” said SRC PK Jena.
According to Jena, no major damage has been caused to the infrastructure in the recent cyclone. “We have already apprised the team that the maximum damage has been caused to the farmers in terms of crop loss. We have given them preliminary information in this regard,” he said.
The SRC further stated that the assessment of agricultural damage is a little difficult. “We have informed the team about districts which were affected by the cyclone Jawad. Once we get the district-wise damage assessment report, we will submit a final report to the team,” he added.
After the field visit and preparation of the final assessment, the team is likely to submit its report within one week to the Disaster Management Division of the MHA for quick admissibility of central assistance. The team will also recommend whether the disaster can be considered to be of a 'severe nature'.