Cyclone Dana: Electricity services across Odisha will be fully restored by tomorrow afternoon, says CM Mohan Majhi

A total of eight lakh people were evacuated to safer places in view of Cyclone Dana in the State, informed Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi after reviewing the evacuation and restoration measures on Friday.

“While some of the people have returned to their houses by this evening, some people are still at the cyclone shelters. We have been reviewing the evacuation and rescue work again this evening. The roads that were blocked due to the uprooting of trees have been cleared by this afternoon. Though we had set a target to restore the electric supply today, it was not possible due to incessant rain and wind. While electricity was disconnected to 22.43 lakh houses, the service has been restored to as many as 14.80 houses by 6 am this evening. The restoration work is currently going on a war footing. Energy Department Secretary Hemant Sharma has visited Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts and he is operating the work by remaining present on the spots. Electricity service is expected to be fully restored in Bhadrak district by 9 pm this evening. The service will be restored at rest of the places by tomorrow afternoon,” said CM Majhi.

“As per the preliminary assessment, crops have been damaged in around 1.75 lakh acres of land. Decision about providing the compensation amounts will be taken after getting a complete report about the crop damage. Decision about providing pucca houses in case of total damage of houses and compensation amount in case of partial damage will be taken after receiving the complete report and the Revenue Minister has already informed about this earlier. All the patients and pregnant women kept at the hospitals are healthy and fully safe. As many as 2,200 new babies and 18 twins were born on the day of the cyclone,” CM Majhi further said.

“As some areas are inundated in rainwater and houses have been damaged there, we are not allowing the residents of those areas to return to their houses. As there is fear of snake bites and wall collapse, we have requested the residents to remain in the shelters for seven days instead of three days. As per the report of IMD, the effect of the cyclone has weakened and there is no threat anymore. Odisha is fully safe and secure now,” he added.