BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced relief for at least 15 days for all families affected by cyclone Titli and subsequent floods in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada district “On an average, a family of four members will be assisted with more than Rs 3000 as relief. This, at the rate of Rs 60 per adult and Rs 45 per child per day,” Naveen told mediapersons after a high-level meeting on the relief and rehabilitation works at the state secretariat.The state government would spend over Rs 300 crore for the purpose from the state disaster response fund, official sources said.Naveen, earlier on the day, conducted aerial survey of the cyclone and flood-affected areas in the above three districts that included part of his Hinjili constituency.“I found that extensive damages have been done to the agricultural crops, the roads, the trees and in the energy sector,” he said.As road communication to several pockets in Gajapati and Gunupur subdivision under Rayagada district is yet to be restored, Naveen said he has directed the authorities to restore connectivity to all cut-off areas within next 48 hours.Official sources said fire service team with 45 power saws and NDRF teams are engaged in cutting of trees for road clearance in Gajapati. Also, 70 skilled persons from Odisha Forest Development Corporation have also been engaged with 13 power saws and axe for road clearances.“Electricity supply to 90 per cent affected areas will be ensured in next 48 hours and the remaining 10 per cent areas in 3 to 5 days,” Naveen said.Since drinking water is a major problem in affected areas, Naveen said safe drinking water will be provided in all block areas within 48 hours. All tube wells will be repaired by Sunday.In urban areas, water supply will be restored in next 24 hours. The chief minister directed to use gen sets wherever required.The chief minister also said that the house damage and crop damage assessment will start once the immediate relief and restoration measures are completed.To queries whether the state government would seek assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), Naveen said after a proper assessment of damages due to cyclone Titli and subsequent flood, the state government would place its demand before the Centre.Special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said though flood situation improving fast in severely-hit Ganjam district , periphery areas in Aska, Purusottampur, Sheragada blocks are stilled marooned.Two helicopters of Indian Navy were engaged in air-dropping of dry foods in worst-affected areas in Ganjam. Over 94,000 people in Ganjam are taking shelters 683 shelters. River Rushikulya is still flowing above the danger level near Purusottampur.“Communication was restored in many areas as floodwater started receding in urban areas. Our focus is that all affected persons should get relief material. The situation in the district was gradually limping back to normalcy,” said Ganjam district collector Vijay Amrut Kulange.Nearly 14,000 people are in 160 relief camps in Gajapati that bore the brunt of cyclone Titli. Telecommunication is yet to be restored in Gajapati district The SRC said they have taken up the matter with the Centre to restore service in Paralakhemundi and other blocks.

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