Over 8 lakh people in Water, 41,000 still without relief

Even as the flood situation in the state improved to a great extent, the state government has admitted that over 8 lakh people are still submerged in water and the authorities are trying hard to rescue them. Around 41,000 people are still without relief despite the best efforts of the administration. According to sources, the government has run out of polythene and orders have been places for more polythene to be supplied to flood-affected areas in the state.

More than 240 breaches have been reported in various rivers in the state. Since only one gate of Hirakud Dam is open now, there is no further danger of flood. In total, 19 districts in Orissa are affected by the flood. Ersama, Kujang and Delang of Jagatsinghpur district are worst affected. The official death toll has reached 56. However, unofficial sources put the death toll at over 300.

More than 41,00,000 people have been affected by the flood fury. Near about 6,000 villages in the state have been badly hit. Over 870 villages are still in water. According to Revenue Secretary, 1,33,114 houses have been damaged and 4,62,532 hectares of agricultural land lost crops. Medical facilities in the state have been put on high alert to prevent any epidemic aftermath flood. Relief operations have been stepped up in all flood affected areas.