Post News Network
Basudevpur, May 3: Even as it is time the state government took all possible measures towards effective disaster response and mitigation, a number of cyclone-shelters in the flood-prone block of Bhadrak district are lying in a dilapidated state.
As most of the cyclone shelters are crumbling, they cannot provide safety to the flood victims. There are as many as 36 cyclone shelters in the block set up by the Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) and the Red Cross. However, a large number of them are in a dilapidated state.
Most of the cyclone shelters have leaky roofs with worn out doors and windows. During floods and cyclones, the buildings would hardly be able to protecting the victims from rain and wind. Most of the electric machinery and other equipment in the shelters are not functioning properly. Besides, most the shelters are deprived of electricity connection.
Residents here demanded that the OSDMA and the Red Cross take immediate steps to repair and renovate the cyclone shelters as rainy days are ahead. As most of the cyclone shelters are being used as schools, resentment is brewing among the students, guardians and the teachers over the sorry state of the shelters.
When contacted, block development officer Damodar Khuntia said the higher authorities have been apprised of the matter.
District collector Laxminarayan Mishra said an assessment would be made on the condition of the cyclone shelters. Measures would be taken to complete the repair work before the onset of monsoon.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Bijayshree Routray said he cannot comment on the issue.
The cyclone shelters erected by the OSDMA are at Jagannath, Badheipada, Barapur, Bachchada, Nuagaon, Chudamani, Adhuan, Padhuan, Kishmatkrushnapur, Chandimal, Sunamuhin, Biras, Badahabelisahi, Brajanandapur, Joragadia, Gobindapur, Badamachhuaghai, Rajagharpokhari, Laxmiprasad, Khedualpur, Patnamishrapur, Kashia, Artun and Kumarpur. The Red Cross has set up its centres at Chudamani (1), Chudamani (2), Uhad, Olagada, Iram Adia, Ratang, Sarangpur, Mohanpur, Khantakhuad, Sunamuhin and Shathiechen.
