Kerala flood: Over 200 Odisha labourers stranded

Bhubaneswar: Over 200 residents from Odisha, engaged as labourers in Kerala are stranded in the southern state which has been severely hit by floods.

As per reports, the labourers hail from Patpur, Radhadeipur, S Gopalpur and Khalingi areas of Ganjam district. The labourers were working in different companies in Kerala since last few months and were staying in Ernakulam, Aluva and Angagali areas. It is reported that, after losing their jobs due to flood and running out of their savings, the labourers are now struggling to get food.

Such reports came to the fore after the labourers contacted their family members, relatives and narrated their ordeal.

"My son is living under extremely difficult condition and due to continuous rainfall, there is no food supply. I am worried about him," Chhaya Nayak, mother of a stranded labourer, said.

Sarpanch of S .Gopalpur, Nirakar Pradhan, said, "Two days back we had informed our local MLA regarding the issue and he had assured that he will hold discussions with the collector. We have also contacted the stranded residents in Kerala. We have been assured that steps will be taken to bring them back."