Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced 15 days’ relief package for the cyclone and flood-affected people of Ganjam, Gajapati and Gunupur subdivisions of Rayagada district.

Earlier in the day, the CM conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts.

Air dropping of relief was initiated on Saturday.

Announcing the relief package, the CM said  a family of four members on an average would be given an assistance of more than Rs 3000 over the 15 days. The assistance will be given at the rate of Rs 60 per adult and Rs 45 per child per day.

He asserted that connectivity would be restored in all cut off areas within 48 hours and electricity supply in 90 per cent of affected areas  will be ensured in next 48 hours.

Power supply to remaining 10 per cent areas would be ensured in three to five days.

Safe drinking water would be provided in block areas within 48 hours and all tubewells would be repaired by tomorrow, he claimed.

Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts have been without power and water supply for more than 48 hours.

The CM said water supply would be restored in all urban areas in next 24 hours.

House and crop damage assessment would be made after the immediate relief and restoration measures were completed.

He was dismissive of allegations of failure in relief and rescue operations. We are busy in relief and restoration work and this is not the time to react to criticism by opposition parties.

The CM said a memorandum detailing the damage and the cost of restoration would be sent to the centre for financial assistance.

Two Naval helicopters started air dropping of relief materials in the  flood hit  Ganjam  and Gajapati district on Saturday.

Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi  said the air dropping started in the morning in Aska and Purusottam areas marooned by flood water.

Special Relief Commissioner’s office informed that 46 lakh people were affected by Titli and the subsequent flood in 6341 villages of 11 districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Puri, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khorda and Jagatsinghpur.