Odisha Allocates Rs 20.38 Crore for Hailstorm Relief Efforts
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Synopsis
Odisha's government has announced Rs 20.38 crore in relief for those affected by a hailstorm in Mayurbhanj. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed support for the impacted individuals and emphasized preparedness for future needs.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha government allocates Rs 20.38 crore for relief.
- Hailstorm affected over 8,500 people in Mayurbhanj district.
- Emergency measures implemented for food and medical assistance.
- Initial assessments show significant damage to homes and crops.
- Criticism directed at opposition for hindering relief efforts.
Bhubaneswar, March 24 (NationPress) Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Monday that the state government has allocated Rs 20.38 crore for relief operations and financial support to those impacted by the recent hailstorm in various regions of Mayurbhanj district.
During a media briefing, Pujari emphasized that the government is prepared to provide additional funds if necessary. He mentioned that following alerts from the Indian Meteorological Department regarding potential hailstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds from March 20 to 24, the department took proactive measures to prepare officials from the Fire Services and Revenue Department to manage any emergencies at the block level.
Several districts, particularly Mayurbhanj, faced severe destruction due to the nor’wester, also known as Kalabaisakhi.
Pujari stated, “Numerous areas in Mayurbhanj district experienced significant damage, with the Bangiriposi and Bisoi blocks being the hardest hit by the hailstorm on March 20. I personally visited these regions on Sunday to assess the damage firsthand.”
Preliminary reports from the district administration indicate that approximately 8,547 individuals across 51 villages in 13 blocks of Mayurbhanj district were affected by the intense hailstorm on the evening of March 20.
The district administration promptly mobilized resources to supply both dry and cooked meals to those affected at 24 relief centres established in the impacted areas.
On Monday, the Revenue Department reported the deployment of 15 medical teams in these areas for health check-ups.
The administration has distributed 2,133 polythene sheets to the victims in Mayurbhanj. Local legislators also rushed to the affected regions to oversee the relief efforts.
In a virtual meeting, the Revenue Minister instructed the district administration to conduct an initial damage assessment resulting from the hailstorm.
This assessment found that 3,514 houses and crops over 442 hectares were damaged due to the hailstorm. Upon receiving the assessment report from the Mayurbhanj district collector, the department swiftly allocated Rs 20.38 crore for the repair of damaged houses and the management of relief centres.
During the press conference, Minister Pujari criticized opposition parties for conducting a road blockade lasting around eight hours, which impeded the distribution of relief materials to affected areas immediately following the hailstorm.
