Paralakhemundi: It has been three years since cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ struck the Odisha coast causing heavy loss of life and properties in Gajapati district, a report said. Over 50 persons in Gajapati district died in the calamity.
Hundreds of domestic birds and animals in the area also perished in the cyclonic storm which struck the coast October 10, 2018.
However, many of the affected families in this calamity are yet to be rehabilitated completely. A landslide at Baraghara under Gangabada panchayat of Raigad block wreaked havoc in the area.
Observers said much is required to be done in rehabilitation of the affected families as well in rebuilding of damaged infrastructures in the district.
Three years have passed since then but the administration is yet to complete the rehabilitation of the affected families and finish the reconstruction of houses and roads.
Most importantly, thousands of trees were destroyed by the calamity. However, neither the district administration nor the forest department ever thought of creation of new forests to spread of green cover.
The district headquarters of Paralakhemundi and several areas plunged into darkness for five days after the calamity snapped the power supply to the town and adjoining areas.
The town plunged into darkness while road and all other modes of communication were left severely disrupted. The district administration launched an immediate rescue operation and lessened the casualties due to timely evacuation.
Several ministers, officers and political leaders visited the district to expedite the relief and rescue operations.
Reports available from the district administration said 1915.27 km stretch of road damaged by the calamity was reconstructed. Similarly, 18 new villages were created where 766 houses under the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana were constructed and the affected families rehabilitated.
Moreover, 78 Anganwadi centres, 101 primary schools were reconstructed.
However, many affected families are yet have a roof on their head as they were found striving hard to earn a livelihood in the absence of government help, the report added.
PNN