A preliminary damage report of the State Government informed around 48,000 thatched houses, 24 transformers, 600 electric poles and 75 km electric wires were damaged during the very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud that hit south Odisha, said Special Relief Commissioner Pradipta Mohapatra here on Monday.
Giving further details, he said 25,000 houses were damaged in Koraput district, while 15,000 houses were damaged in Gajapati district. In Rayagada and Malkangiri districts 7,000 and 1,000 houses were damaged, respectively.
“This preliminary report is based on the reports of district administration of the four districts. We are yet to get any report from other districts, including Ganjam,” Mohapatra told.
The SRC informed that 2.33 lakh persons were evacuated due to the cyclone and put up in 2,029 centres. “While 66,494 persons have been evacuated in Koraput, 49,740 people have been evacuated from Malkangiri and around 65,000 in Gajapati,” he said.
Mohapatra said the people in cyclone shelters could return home if they wanted.
“The district Collectors have been asked to decide whether they would stay or go home. However, if some people want to go, they can go. We would provide cooked food to the evacuated people who are taking shelter in various centres,” he said.
He also said there is no flood-like situation although water is flowing close to the danger level in Rushikulya and Bansadhara rivers.
In response to Andhra Pradesh’s appeal for assistance from neighbouring States, the SRC said 30 fire service teams comprising 210 members had been sent to clear roads and take up other relief work. While 20 teams have been deployed in Vizag, 10 teams are at work in Vijaynagaram, he added.
Energy Secretary Suresh Mohapatra said as per the preliminary assessment, nearly 600 electric poles, 75 km of electric wires and 24 transformers had been damaged by the cyclone. He said the department officials were trying to restore power connection to all district headquarters and important towns by Monday evening.
“We are giving priority to hospitals, district headquarters and PHDs for providing drinking water facilities to the affected population,” said Mohapatra.
Meanwhile, as the cyclonic storm moved away from the State and proceeded north-westwards continuing to lose steam gradually, rain and thundershower was expected at most places over Odisha till Tuesday, IMD centre here said.