Cyclone Phailin ravages Ganjam District

The Cyclone Phailin, which hit the Gopalpur Coast at a wind speed of 220 km per hour on October 12, completely ravaged the Ganjam district, resulting in the death of 18 people and damaging 2.40 lakh homes. Most parts of the Ganjam district remain inaccessible. Deaths were reported from Berhampur, Purushottampur, Ganjam Town, Rangeilunda, Polasara and Khallikote.

In Ganjam, 3,43,695 people were evacuated to 1,58 shelter centres. That saved their lives. The SouthCo suffered a huge loss of Rs 180 crore, as 40 sub-stations and 120 feeders were completely damaged. Around six lakh people in the district are living without power.

Power services in the urban areas of Ganjam district may be restored in seven days. But, rural areas may get power only after 10-15 days or more. Teams from CESCO, NESCO and Mumbai are reaching shortly to help in restoring the power services. Efforts are on to clear the roads blocked by fallen trees.

Even all areas of Berhampur, have been ravaged by the Cyclone. The MKCG Medical College and Hospital was not spared. Situation is very precarious in Berhampur, Gopalpur, Chhatrapur and many other parts of Ganjam district. Rescue and relief operation are going on full swing. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is visiting the affected areas of Chhatrapur and Rangeilunda today.