Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has released Rs 5,70,31,000 from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to support relief and rehabilitation efforts following a devastating whirlwind that struck parts of Mayurbhanj district on March 15.
This was announced during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Revenue & Disaster Management Suresh Pujari on Tuesday. The funds are earmarked specifically for house building assistance, clothing and utensils support, and the operation of relief camps. The Minister also issued several directives to Mayurbhanj Collector Hema Kanta Say to ensure swift and effective response, including disbursement of house building assistance to beneficiaries within the next two days.
The sudden storm hit nine villages in the Karanjia block, affecting 3,217 people. Two individuals lost their lives, and 38 others sustained injuries. Around 512 houses were damaged. Around 111 hectares of crop area were also impacted as the Nor’wester hit the villages along National Highway-220 around 4 pm and lasted nearly 30 minutes.
In the immediate aftermath, 2,200 affected people were evacuated and provided shelter in six relief camps, where free meals continue to be provided. Relief measures included distribution of 1,450 polythene sheets for temporary sheltering, supply of drinking water via tankers and bottled sources, and deployment of three medical teams along with four fire teams for search, rescue, and restoration operations.
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia accompanied by the Additional Special Relief Commissioner had also conducted a field assessment on March 16 to evaluate the on-ground situation.
