Relief For Cyclone Affected Poeple

Finance Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy said that all steps would be taken to provide relief and rehabilitation to the people affected by the cyclone "Phailin".

Talking to reporters after participating in a review meeting held by Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy at his camp office here on Sunday, Anam said that the "assessment of damages will be done in a proper way". He said that required relief would be provided to all the affected people, especially the farmers. He added that immediate relief measures like the distribution of rice and other essentials to the affected were going on. Chief Secretary Dr. P K Mohanty has been directed to complete the enumeration of losses in the next 3-4 days by forming different teams.

Anam said that several roads have been damaged in the affected districts, especially in Srikakulam. He told the reporters that the process of restoration of roads was being taken up on war footing. He added that the cyclone has "caused immense damage to the electricity and communication services".

However, he said that all the 33 KV sub-stations would be restored by Sunday evening while the restoration of the 11 KV sub-stations and lines would be completed by Monday evening. He hoped that the supply of electricity would be restored to all the villages within the next 2 days.

The Minister further said that so far only 1 death (due to a wall collapse) has been reported from Srikakulam district and ex-gratia would be paid as per the state and Centre's guidelines. "Compared to previous cyclones, the damage to houses was very less, as they were constructed properly under the Indiramma Housing Scheme this time. However, many houses suffered partial damages, and adequate compensation would be paid for their restoration," Anam assured.

He said, "The assessment of damage to crops is yet to begin. Separate teams of the agriculture and horticulture departments are being formed for a proper assessment."

Anam said that the CM would review the situation again on Monday and if required, he would also tour the affected districts. (INN)