Bhubaneswar: At least four people have died and 12 others remain missing due to landslides triggered by Cyclone Arnab in Odisha, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil informed at a press meet on Saturday.
Speaking about the post-cyclone damage, the SRC said that three districts – Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal have been worst affected due to continuous rain after the cyclone.
Giving details of the casualties, the SRC said three members of a single family died in Raikia in Kandhamal district in a landslide. In Gajapati district, one person who was earlier reported missing has died.
The major tragedy was reported from Gidipabali village under Bhanjanagar block in Ganjam district. The village was hit by a massive landslide. Gidipabali village is situated on the hilltop. Around 25 people were present at the spot when the landslide occurred. Initially 13 people were reported missing from the village. One elderly woman identifies as Tara Bati Pradhan has been traced, while 12 are still missing, the SRC said.
He further informed 160 to 170 personnel from three Fire Services teams, SOG and NDRF have been deployed to trace the others. The search operation has been going on since last night.
At present, flood situation prevails only in Ganjam district. The water level of Rushikulya river is flowing below the danger mark. Besides, the water level of Jalaka river has receded.
Regarding restoration, the SRC said road connectivity has been restored in almost all villages in Ganjam. Only one village still remains cut off from the outside world. Arrangement is being made to provide relief to that village through air.
Relief and cooked food are being provided to all flood-affected villages. Besides, power supply will be restored in Aska of Ganjam district today. Also, 80 to 85 per cent of the power infrastructure in the district has been restored, informed the SRC.
The SRC informed that 367 relief camps have been opened in Ganjam district, where 1,05,622 people have been affected by the flood. In Gajapati district, 21,782 people have been affected and 340 relief camps have been set up to provide shelter and food.
