Cyclone Titli: Odisha govt asks Navy for choppers for relief, rescue operations

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday requested the Indian Navy for two helicopters to carry out for relief and rescue operations in Ganjam district, which has been affected by cyclone Titli and subsequent flood.

Chief Secretary A P Padhi the helicopters coming from Visakhapatnam will first conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas.

“The two choppers will be engaged for relief and rescue operations in Aska and Puroshotampur blocks of the district,” said Padhi.

The Chief Secretary said about 50,000 people each in Aska and Purushotampur blocks of Ganjam district have been marooned.

Padhi was talking to the media after a review meeting convened by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with officials on the cyclone and flood situation in the state.

The Chief Minister had held a video conference with the Collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts to take stock of the flood situation there.

The Chief Minister directed the three district collectors to closely monitor the situation and shift the people living in vulnerable areas to safer places.

He directed to focus on early restoration of power supply and emergency services.

Informing that emphasis is being given on the restoration of power supply, he said power would be restored in Ganjam district, barring the two blocks, in the next 48 hours.

The road communication in Gajapati district has been severely disrupted by falling trees. Besides, there has been no power for the past two days, including in the district headquarters.

The power supply has taken a severe hit in Rayagada district as well.

The Chief Secretary said power supply would be restored in Rayagada district in 72 hours.