News from Odisha

The inflow of water has increased in Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers due to the cyclone-triggered rainfall but there are no chances of flood in these two rivers.

The Centre  has granted an additional Rs 87.77 Crore for widening of the National Highways (NH-157) for the construction of paved shoulders besides the road connecting Aska to Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district. 

As the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections sweeps Odisha, as many as 816 prisoners have been tested positive for Covid-19 in the State during the month of May 2021, a statement released by the State Prison Headquarters has revealed.

Former Member of the Parliament and National Vice President of BJP, Baijayant Panda today reviewed the damages caused by very severe cyclonic storm Yaas in various areas of the coastal district. 

CM Naveen Patnaik has announced a seven-day relief for 128 villages in Balasore and Bhadrak districts that were marooned by the tidal surge and heavy downpour on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A day after cyclone ‘Yaas’ ravaged the coastal districts especially Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara in the State, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Department on Thursday sought a preliminary report on the damages from the concerned authorities.

Although the Covid-19 testing has decreased in the State in view of cyclone since the last two-three days, the usual test positivity rate (TPR) has declined from over 20 per cent to 14 per cent.

There is no threat  of flash flood in major rivers in northen Odisha as the water level is flowing below danger mark in several rivers other than Baitarani despite overnight rains under the impact of the cyclonic storm. 

Strong winds coupled with torrential rainfall in the wake of very severe cyclonic storm Yaas have wreaked havoc in several coastal and interior districts of Odisha. 

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of cyclone ‘Yaas’-hit regions in Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak district in the afternoon today.

Noted music director and lyricist Santiraj Khosla passed away while undergoing treatment at Cuttack Covid Hospital today, his family sources said. He was 50.

The single-day spike in Covid-19 cases in the State witnessed a drastic fall with only 6,736 people testing positive for the virus in last 24 hours even as there is no break in the rising cases of fatalities.

Even as cyclone ‘Yaas’ which crossed the north Odisha coast yesterday has weakened into a depression, the impact of the storm is still felt at several places in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore and adjoining districts with heavy wind and rain.

The vaccination exercise against Covid-19 which was halted in the State in view of very severe cyclonic storm Yaas has resumed today. 

Uprooted trees, disrupted communication lines, floating cars, damaged houses and perplexed human faces.These are sights which greet one while passing through the cyclone ravaged Balasore and Bhadrak districts on Wednesday.