The twin disasters of Phailin and floods — that have wreaked havoc in many parts of Mayurbhanj and termed as worst in the history of the district - has exposed the non-preparedness on part of the district administration to tackle the situation.
On October 13, people as well as the administration were caught unawares as Baripada town was suddenly submerged with flood water. Most of the houses were damaged and some were even wiped out as water gushed into the houses at Madhuban, Premnagar, Ajabnagar, Astia, Sunamuhin, Ananda Bazaar, lal Bazar, Keulasahi, Sankhpatta, Saharsahi, Belgodia, Poda Astia, Chipat Astia, Baruni Road, Dhipasahi, Sungodia, Tulasichoura and other Wards. Also innumerable domestic animals including cattle, oxen, goats, sheep and birds perished in the disaster. Besides, properties worth crores of rupees have been lost due to the unprecedented floods.
As per the Government record, only two persons have died and 15 others have been missing in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts. Barsahi and Betnoti blocks have also been severely affected by Phailin and its aftermath floods caused due to incessant rains and some people are yet to be rescued and shifted to safer place.
Due to non-preparedness of the government machinery, people of this district had to suffer, the affected people alleged. Even due to absence of boats people from some areas even could not be evacuated and shifted to safer locations. Communication, electricity and water supply have totally been disrupted and nobody knows when those will be restored.
Healthcare facility has also been crippled in the District Headquarters Hospital, Baripada due to its submergence in flood water. The affected people had not got relief till Tuesday. However, after marches were taken out in Baripada and some other places by the agitating people, Government personnel in tandem with NGOs have taken initiatives to provide relief to the affected people.
People have also to face hardship due to non-availability of adequate food stuff and other essential commodities in the market. Moreover, the skyrocketing prices of vegetables have worsened the situation. Also, theft threat looms large in Baripada town as police patrol facility has come to a standstill. Measures also need to be taken at the earliest to drain out the flood water which has clogged the Baripada town due to absence of proper sewage system.