People Of Cyclone-Hit Gajapati To Be Given Two-Month Advance Ration

Paralakhemundi: The Odisha government will provide two-month advance ration to the people of the cyclone-affected Gajapati district.

Informing this to the media after a review meeting with the senior officials at the district headquarters here on Monday afternoon, chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi said each card holder will be provided with advance cash of Rs 1000 towards the ration for two months.

Taking about the restoration work in the district, he said power will be restored in the district headquarters by this evening, all block headquarters by tomorrow and the entire area of the district by October 20.

He also informed that for the people in the district, whose houses have been completely damaged, 11 truckloads of polythene sheets had arrived on Monday while another 50 will reach the district the following day.

Confirming the death of 18 persons in Gajapati district, Padhi said the investigation is on  and as per the rules, ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh would be provided to each family of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Governor Ganeshi Lal on Monday directed the state government to expedite relief operations in the Titli-affected districts. He also asked the department concerned to restore the supply of drinking water and repair and renovation of the damaged roads. He also directed the Energy department to restore power connectivity at the earliest and asked the Health department to step up measures to prevent the spread of epidemic disease after the flood in these affected districts.