News from Odisha

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.

While one Saraswati Bairagi of Harinapokhari village delivered a baby girl at Talachuan primary health centre in Kendrapara district, many babies were delivered at different hospitals in Puri.

The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department on Wednesday issued advisory for the physicians and beneficiaries to report suspected Thrombosis after Covishield vaccine administration.

The CM also directed officials to clear the major roads for smooth transportation in the next 24 hours and 80% restoration of electricity supply in the affected districts in the next 24 hours. 

Industrial establishments can vaccinate their employees and their family members in their hospitals by procuring vaccines of their own or if hospital is not available, they can arrange the inoculation in a work place tagging with a private hospital CVC.

Though the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Yaas has weakened and turned into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, several districts of Odisha are very likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall under its influence.

Even as Cyclone Yaashas made landfall at 15km south of Balasore with a packing wind speed of 120kmph, the fact to the fore is its wind speed has been the lowest since 1999