Other States - Orissa   

Over 1,500 villages hit by floods

BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa government on Sunday said it dropped more than 122 metric tons of food by helicopters in different flood-affected areas of the State.

According to revenue control room sources, four helicopters were used to distribute food packets in Bhogarai, Balasore, Jaleswar and Basta areas. Besides, cooked food was being provided to flood victims at 155 centres across five districts.

As per the estimation, 64,655 hectare of agricultural land was damaged by floodwater while 5.86 lakh cattle got injuries. The flood affected 12.72 lakh people in 1,516 villages.

Despite all tall claims by the administration, there were reports of acute drinking water shortage in Balasore and Bhadrak districts. The stock of water pouches had almost been exhausted, sources said.

As the water started receding, people are rushing to well as well as tubewells for drinking water. However, these contaminated sources could make the matter worse.

Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Manmohan Samal reviewed the flood situation of Bhadrak district and asked the administration to repair embankments which were breached during floods.

Trains are also increasingly being used for mobilisation of relief material into affected area. Special relief trains consisting of 13 coaches are plying from Khurda road, Jajpur Keonjhar Road and Bhadrak to Contai Road carrying relief material to the affected areas.

The operation of special trains will continue till June 30.

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