Till date, out of the total 61,000 estimated flood-affected families in Mayurbhanj district, about 26,000 families in different blocks have not yet received any relief material not financial assistance as announced by the Government, much to the chagrin of the people and contrary to the administration’s claim that relief works has been going on in war-footing.
Sources said around 34,000 families including 14,000 in Baripada municipality have so far been provided relief. Polythene has been given to 19,142 families, out of the total 24,823 families in need. But the monetary assistance of Rs 500 (for fully affected) and Rs 300 (for partially affected) has not yet been paid to the affected families. Regarding distribution of fodder for affected cattle, people have got it in Betanoti and Barsahi blocks only.
Only 3,000 families have been provided with utensils in Barsahi, Shamakhunta, Bangriposi blocks and Baripada municipality areas, sources said, adding post-flood, surveys are being carried out in war-footing for completing house damage assessment within three days. Till Sunday, about 2,553 house damage cases have been recorded in 15 blocks.
Crop damage assessment is also being done in the district and it will be completed soon, sources said.
Meanwhile, normality has been restored in Baripada town with supply of drinking water and electricity in most of the localities. About 4,720 families in the town, out of total 5,200 affected have received polythene. Similarly, relief has been distributed among 13,478 families.
Free kitchen has been arranged to feed 2,000 flood-ravaged people including 1,582 persons staying in six relief camps.
Immediate steps are being taken to repair the damaged infrastructure including buildings for resumption of schools and anganwadi centres. OPEPA has also sent 5000 sets of books to be distributed among the needy schoolchildren, sources added.
Regarding maintaining healthcare and sanitation, health camps are being held regularly at seven locations in Baripada municipality. Similarly, eight Mobile Health Units are being run in Barsahi, three in Betanoti and two each in Kuliana, Bangriposhi and Shamakhunta blocks.
The relief and house damage assessment works are being supervised by senior officers in the rank of Sub-Collector under the guidance of RDC, North Division to complete the works soon, sources said.