The cyclone-hit areas in Balasore, Kendrapara, and Bhadrak are yet to receive electricity supply back in approximately 50,000 households, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated. The CM after surveying the post-cyclonic condition informed that the power supply restoration work is in the final phases and all the obstructions on the road have been cleared. He has also assured that the water level of the Bhudhabalanga River is reducing and thus lessening the chance of flood. Majhi also ensured that he would go on another aerial survey on Monday to further assess the condition.
Restoration work in process
As per the information shared by Majhi, power supply has been restored in 98% of the affected areas. A total of 22.84 lakh homes were impacted by the cyclone and electricity has been reinstated to 22.32 lakh households. Around 50,000 houses in the worst-hit areas like Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara, power supply has not been restored as these places are still flooded. The restoration work is currently being taken care of by 7,000 workers.
Most of the stranded people have now been returning to their homes as the conditions are improving. The CM of Odisha highlighted that around 8 lakh people were affected because of the cyclone and they have been evacuated to 6,210 shelter centers. Around 470 shelters are still occupied by 30,000 people as they are waiting for the water to recede.
Cyclone Dana’s aftermath
Crops from more than 2.21 lakh acres in 4,100 villages in 12 blocks in Jajpur, Balasore, Kendrapara, and Mayurbhanj have been damaged by the cyclone. To facilitate the compensation, District collectors have been asked to submit a detailed assessment report on the damage by 2 November.
(With inputs from PTI)