**Bhubaneswar**: Severe cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ and the subsequent floods have claimed 61 lives confirmed Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi today after a high-level review meeting of the natural calamity’s aftermath and the consequent loss of life and property.
In a press briefing at the State Secretariat, Padhi said, “61 lives were lost in Cyclone Titli-related incidents while 11 deaths, including that of 3 Andhra fishermen, are being examined and are yet to be confirmed.”
Updating about the Rs 2,014 crore financial aid sought from the Central Government, Padhi said, “We have sent the memorandum and now it is upto them whether they want to send the money and come here to assess the ground situation or not.”
“Around 57,000 houses have been damaged. The Chief Minister has requested houses for the affected people under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme. As per the State Disaster Relief Fund norms, Rs 97,000 financial assistance will also be given to the people with fully damaged houses, after assessment. All three steps, that is PMAY, Biju Pucca Ghar scheme and SDRF aid will be given to these people in need,” he explained.
“After a discussion with all the departments, it was found out that road restoration is almost complete except the Sorada-Daringbadi road. It will take some time as one portion of that road has been completely washed away. Meanwhile, drinking water has been completely restored in urban areas. 570 out of 650 pipe water supply has been restored in rural areas and the rest are work in progress. In the meantime, tube wells have been disinfected and are completely functional so people can make use of those and there should be no problem,” said Padhi.
100% power has been restored in all places except Gajapati. Out of 1.2 lakh consumers, 60,000 have received power back. By October 22, around 1 lakh consumers will get electricity supply which means that 90% work will be completed. The work had been slow for a few days as workers had taken a break during the holiday season, informed Padhi.
“Ex-gratia amount is being given the moment the death is verified. On the other hand, bags of 50 kgs of rice is being distributed to a every family in Gajapati. Relief distribution in the district of more than Rs 11 crore cash is almost over,” he added.
Meanwhile, 2.7 lakh hectares of crop have been damaged and farmer-wise evaluation is going on, concluded Padhi.
Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi added, “More than Rs 270 crore as crop input subsidy will be given to the farmers. We are currently assessing the lands of the famers whose 33% cropland or more has been damaged. In addition to that, a report will also be prepared of the people whose livelihood was dependent on cows, goat and sheep. Those people will also receive financial assistance.”
“Assessment of Rs 2770 crores of fund requirements has been submitted. Now, the village-wise verification is currently underway. So the preliminary report will obviously be revised,” Sethi concluded.
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