Post-flood operation takes centrestage in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Sep 29 (PTI) With flood waters receding fast
and marked improvement in road accessibility, the eastern
Indian state Orissa government Thursday geared up post-relief
operation and decided to stop air-dropping operations from
Friday.
The state government also submitted an additional
memorandum with the Centre Thursday seeking an assistance of
Rs 1,144.46 crore for the damage caused in the second spell of
flood in Baitarani, Brahmani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalang rivers
and their tributaries.
Earlier the state government had sought Rs 2,120.92 crore
towards flood damage assessment in the Mahanadi river system,
special relief commissioner (SRC) P K Mohapatra said.
At least 40 people have died in the second spell of flood
while there are reports of two persons missing in Mayurbhanj
and Kendrapada districts, he said.
A total of 730 boats were deployed for rescue and relief
operation in different districts, while four IAF helicopters
were Thursday used for airdropping of food packets in flood-
affected areas of Jajpur and Kendrapada districts.
Free kitchens have been closed in all the districts
except Jajpur and Kendrapada, the SRC said.