Bolangir: The severe cyclonic storm Fani had a devastating impact on the coastal districts of Odisha.
Even though advanced technology had informed the public about its path, intensity and nature much before it made landfall, Fani’s impact was very severe. It affected around a crore people in the 11 districts of Odisha.
Although six days have passed after Fani made landfall to the south of Puri and devastated districts along the coast, the cyclone affected people still do not have basic things like safe drinking water, electricity, roads, healthcare and telecommunication services.
The MLA of Bolangir and Leader of Opposition of the outgoing Assembly, Narasingha Mishra, has demanded that the government should declare Fani as a national calamity.
“The government should ask the Centre to declare Fani as a national calamity immediately. Even after six days the state government has failed to make a comprehensive assessment of the losses caused by Fani,” he said.
Mishra said immediate steps should be taken by the state and the Centre to provide compensation to the cyclone affected people, and that priority should be given to their rehabilitation.
Mishra said the government should take the help of the military to rebuild infrastructure and damaged houses. The state government should write to other states and seek skilled workers, volunteers and other assistance, he added.
PNN
