Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari today directed expediting post-cyclone and flood damage assessment, compensation disbursement and strengthening of infrastructure in the affected areas.

The Minister held a detailed review of the situation arising out of the incessant rainfall and subsequent flooding caused by cyclone ‘Arnab’, as well as the prevailing situation concerning cyclone ‘Murasu’, which made landfall late last night.

The Minister informed that cyclone ‘Murasu’ entered Andhra Pradesh late last night. It is currently located south of Vijayawada and moving further ahead. The system is expected to gradually move towards Telangana.

So far, no district in Odisha has been significantly affected by the cyclone. According to the latest information, the State received an average rainfall of around 2 mm during the last 24 hours. Puri recorded 12 mm of rainfall, while Malkangiri, Koraput and Ganjam districts received 10 mm or less.

The state government is closely monitoring the entire situation and is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality. Around 1,52,010 people have been evacuated in Ganjam district, 620 in Gajapati, 5,073 in Malkangiri, 1,101 in Koraput, 6,269 in Kandhamala and 736 in Rayagada district. Thus, a total of approximately 1,65,809 people have been evacuated so far. A total of around 592 permanent and temporary shelters are currently operational across these districts.

Similarly, around 54 ODRAF teams, 9 NDRF teams and more than 100 Fire Service teams have been deployed in the concerned districts. Senior district administration officials are present at the field level to oversee operations and extend necessary assistance. Schools in the affected districts remain largely closed and the respective district administrations will take decisions regarding their reopening based on the prevailing situation.

Pujari, further informed that the Chief Minister has already announced a compensation package for damages to houses, agricultural land and businesses caused by cyclone ‘Arnab’. Restoration and repair of damaged infrastructure are being undertaken on a war footing by the Panchayati Raj Department, Rural Development Department, Works Department, Energy Department and Water Resources Department.

Emphasising the need to expedite damage assessment, ensure timely delivery of compensation packages to affected beneficiaries, accelerate infrastructure restoration and strengthen coordination with district administrations, four IAS officers have been deployed & designated as Additional Special Relief Commissioners (Additional SRCs) with full powers.

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Meanwhile, the central team, which is currently on a field visit to assess the damage, visited Gajapati district today for an on-ground assessment. The team will visit Ganjam district tomorrow to assess the extent of damage before returning to Bhubaneswar. The respective District Collectors are coordinating with the central team and facilitating its field visits by identifying suitable locations for inspection.

The Minister further informed that the District Collectors of the concerned districts have already been directed to submit preliminary damage assessment reports at the earliest. Subsequently, comprehensive final reports will also be prepared and submitted to the Government of India.