Fani-battered Khurda residents on streets demanding water, electricity

Bhubaneswar: The unprecedented destruction caused by cyclone Fani has bruised and battered the people of several districts of Odisha. Though people have come together to tackle the situation, alleged delays in relief and restoration work is turning their resolve into resentment and protests.

While allegations of delay on part of the State government to handle the situation following the cyclone are popping up at an increasing rate, the suffering caused due to the alleged dilly-dallying in restoring water and electricity supply along with lack of distribution of relief materials at several places have resulted in public outburst.

Residents of Ward No. 1 of Cachara Sahi in Makundapur of Khurda resorted to protest by staging a road blockade by burning tyres today. "Fani destroyed our homes and we have nothing to eat, but the officials of the district administration are yet to visit our region," alleged a local.

Another irate local said that some companies (which are in Khurda region and in and around the district) are making false claims of providing them relief material. "Charana Dei Nahanti, Kintu Tanka Ke Ra Awaz Karuchanti (Haven't given s penny but making tall claims)," he rued.

"Those who have money are only getting food, but we poor people have nothing to eat. No one is even coming here for us. Relief materials are being distributed at some places, but no one is worried about the people of this ward," alleged another woman woman.

Other local women alleged that they approached the district collector, who even after assuring them to visit their village has not turned up yet.