PM, CM survey cyclone situation, Odisha announces ex-gratia

Preparing a memorandum to seek central assistance towards damages done by the cyclone, Odisha government today announced ex-gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh for the families those lost their kin in the calamity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik undertook aerial survey of the Hudhud-hit tribal belt.
"The damage due to the cyclone is extensive. We will soon seek assistance from the Centre," Patnaik told reporters after his return from an aerial survey from the southern districts.
Stating that he visited Koraput where reviewed the relief and restoration work in Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts, Patnaik said he also undertook similar exercise at Rayagada for Gajapati and Rayagada districts.

"Though damage has been done, all steps have been taken to restore roads, water supply and electrical connectivity in the affected areas," Patnaik said adding that relief and restoration work was going on war footing.
Expressing condolence towards the families of those lost their near ones in the calamity, Patnaik announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh to the families of each deceased.
At least three persons had died during the cyclone in the state. Two children died when the boat in which they were being evacuated along with others capsized in Kendrapada district on October 11, while a fisherman died in Puri after high tidal current caught him while he was trying to save his boat anchored at a beach later the same day.

Meanwhile, special relief commissioner (SRC) P K Mohapatra said: "I have asked the concerned departments and eight district collectors affected by cyclone to furnish reports on losses incurred due to the cyclone. They have been asked to submit their reports by October 16. Once we get the reports, we will place a memorandum before the Centre.