Odisha Govt Puts Initial Damage Estimate Of Rs 1100 Crore For Flood Before Central Team

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Thursday placed a preliminary loss estimate of Rs 1,100 crore due to recent flood before the Central team which visited the affected areas to assess the damages during its two-day visit.

Apprising the five-member Central team led by Praveen Vasisth of the damages caused by the flood at a meeting here, Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy said about 2.25 lakh hectare of agriculture and crop land have suffered more than 33% damage. About 1.20,000 houses have been damaged to various degrees. Embankments, roads and public infrastructure have also been damaged, he added.

Additional Chief Secretary and Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena said the high flood took place in five river systems of Subarnarekha, Baitarai, Brahmani, Budhabalanga and Mahanadi. A total of 17 ODRAF, 14 NDRF, 22 Fire teams were deployed at vulnerable points to prevent any loss of property and life.

He further said around 1.73 lakh people were evacuated to safer places while 13.87 lakh people were marooned. As many as 6066 villages under 1276 panchayats and 21 ULBs in 18 districts were affected by the flood, he added.

Appreciating the efforts of the state government, the Central team agreed to the suggestion to consider providing financial aid to the state not only in response as per SDRF norm but also as mitigation measures like strengthening of embankments, construction of new embankments, disaster resilient housing support against damaged houses and other infrastructure.

They also appreciated the state’s approach to disaster management and new approach of seeking assistance from the Central Government on mitigation measures.

Among others, Development Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner, Water Resources Secretary and other senior officials were present in the meeting.