Over 68,000 stranded as floods follow Phailin in Odisha

Hard on the heels of cyclone Phailin, Odisha is now facing massive floods. Balasore is the worst affected area with more than 68,000 people hit by the overflowing rivers, as the Subarnarekha, Vaitarani and Budhabalang rivers are flowing above the danger mark.

The other flood-hit areas in the state are Mayurbhanj, Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. Floods have been triggered in major rivers in northern parts of Odisha by heavy rains resulting from the high-velocity cyclone, which ravaged the vast coastal belt including worst hit Ganjam.

Though the death toll due to the cyclone and subsequent floods has gone up to 28, it is widely acknowledged that the loss of life and property was relatively contained because of accurate predictions by the India Meteorological Department and prompt action by state authorities.

The Odisha government has started operations to rebuild Ganjam district, which is the worst affected. Lakhs of residents who were evacuated to shelters are now returning to their homes.

Almost 9 lakh people in Odisha are currently in shelters, with their only hope lying in government rehabilitation.

Chief minister Naveen Pattnaik today assured the victims of "active rehabilitation", admitting that it may take a lot of resources and time.

"Rehabilitation is the biggest challenge before the state government in the wake of cyclone Phailin even though we have been successful in minimising the loss of lives due to the tropical storm. Property worth several crores of rupees has been destroyed. I will see to it that the people are actively rehabilitated," he said.

The Phailin cyclone hit Gopalpur on the east coast of Odisha, on Saturday night, causing heavy rains and gusting winds of 200 km per hour.

Crediting the government officials for their pro-activeness in timely evacuation operations, the chief minister also sought the support of media and other agencies. Meanwhile, he urged the displaced not to panic.

"We have successfully evacuated nine lakh people. This is one of the largest evacuation operations to have taken place in the country," said Patnaik.