Press Release, Bhubaneswar, 13th Oct, 2013: The cyclone Phailin hit Odisha Coast at about 8.30 to 9PM on 12th October near Gopalpur in the district of Ganjam. Before hitting of cyclone all people from vulnerable areas were evacuated for which the human causality could be minimized to 7, out of which 2 persons had died before the cyclone reached the landmass.
As reported by Director Meteorology, Bhubaneswar the cyclone is now moving towards north with a wind speed of around 55 KM/Hr and, it will turn to deep depression by evening causing heavy rainfall in Phulbani and Kandhamal and adjourning districts. It is expected that the cyclone will pass away Odisha by today evening. Near about 8,73,646 people have been evacuated to flood and cyclone centers in the affected districts. This has been discussed in the cyclone situation review meeting taken by Minister Revenue and Disaster Management Sri Surya Narayan Patro in Secretariat Conference Hall today.
Chief Secretary Sri Jugal Kishore Mohapatra has directed the Collectors, Field Officers and respective Departments to focus on relief operations, opening of roads, sanitation, restoration of power and water supply. Sri Mohapatra has directed SRC to make assessment of the relief requirement of different materials. Food Supply Department has been directed to check hoardings and supply relief materials adequately.
The Collectors have also been asked to take up the preliminary assessment of damages caused by the cyclone. Health and RD Department have been asked to gear up health and sanitation operations in affected areas. Emphasis has been laid on restoration of power supply as severe damages have been caused to the Grid and distribution systems.
Energy Secretary Sri Pradeep Kumatr Jena has said that the restoration teams are already in operation and steps have been taken on mission mode to restore the power supply within shortest possible time. The Director General Police has been requested to strengthen patrolling in affected areas to save further damage to the properties by the miscreants and thieves.
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As per the first hand preliminary information available Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Jagatsingpur, Kendrapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack have been affected by the cyclone. The Keonjar, Kandhamal, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh are likely to be affected by heavy rainfall. As per the first hand information 99 Blocks, 1895 GPs, 14,514 villages, 39 ULBs and 80,53,626 people have been affected. Near about 2,34,000 kachha houses in Ganjam district have been damaged. Addl.
Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Sri Aditya Padhi advised to send polythene to Ganjam district for immediate distribution to the people whose houses have been severely damaged. Eye estimate reveals that crop in about 5 lakh hectares has been damaged the value of which has been estimated to be 2300 crore. Out of 7 reported human causalities there are 2 deaths in Ganjam, 2 in Khurda, 1 each in Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Balasore.
Addl. Chief Secretary Finance, Sri U. N Behera informed that some NGOs have come forward for cooperation in relief operation. Chief Secretary has advised to talk with Collectors of Ganjam, Puri and other affected districts and send the NGOs as per their requirement. SRC Sri P. K. Mohaptra added that the NGOs can assist in relief operations in relief camps.
Hon’ble Minister Sri Patro has advised, the people who want to return to their homes should be provided all assistance and relief. He further said that the restoration work at ground level should be such that people are able to return to their homes early. Hon’ble Minister expressed his satisfaction on handling of the situation in saving the life of the people through massive evacuation undertaken by Administration, Field Officers, NDRF, ODRAF, NAVAL and Army personnel.
Development Commissioner Sri Injeti Srinivas, Addl. Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster management Sri Taradatt, DG, Police Sri Prakash Mishra, Principal Secretary Home, Sri Vipin Saxena, Special Relief Commissioner Sri Pradeepta Mohaptra, Director IMD, Bhubaneswar Sri Sarat Sahoo along with Secretaries of respective Departments and senior officers participated in the discussion.
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