Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari today instructed the officials for the restoration of damaged roads and electricity services on a war footing in the flood affected areas in Odisha.

The state government has intensified relief and rehabilitation measures in the affected districts to provide timely assistance to people and restore normalcy at the earliest, said Pujari.

The Minister chaired a review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre at Rajiv Bhavan, in the presence of the SRC and senior officials, to assess the damage caused by incessant rainfall in the aftermath of cyclone Arnab.

The meeting held detailed discussions on the prevailing situation, particularly in the southern districts of the state. Emphasis was laid on continuous monitoring of the post-cyclone situation and coordinated measures to ensure public safety and minimise the impact of the disaster.

According to the Minister, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput and Rayagada districts have been significantly affected by Cyclone ‘Arnab’.

Ganjam has been the worst-affected district, followed by Gajapati and Kandhamal, which have also suffered extensive damage. Heavy post-cyclone rainfall has left several villages waterlogged and caused extensive damage to roads and other infrastructure.

ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services personnel have been deployed in the affected areas for rescue and relief operations. Helicopters are also being used for rescue operations and distribution of food supplies. Thousands of people have been safely evacuated to relief camps.

The number of affected people is highest in Ganjam (42,564), followed by Gajapati (30,000) and Kandhamal (12,000). People from vulnerable and low-lying areas have been shifted to safer locations, and relief camps have been opened to accommodate those affected.

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As part of the evacuation process, pregnant women are being given priority and shifted to safer locations, where necessary healthcare services and medicines are being provided. Relief camps are being supplied with dry food, rice, jaggery, polythene sheets and safe drinking water.