Restoring power and telecommunication facilities are the top priorities in relief efforts in the Fani-Cyclone affected areas, according to directives issued by the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).

The committee under Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha has directed the Ministry of Power and Department of Telecommunications to coordinate with Odisha Government for the same.

“Power Ministry has moved DG sets of 500 KVA, 250 KVA and 125 KVA capacity and also provided Workmen Gangs, who are engaged in restoration of power lines and towers. Senior officials of Power PSUs have been stationed in the affected areas to oversee restoration operations. Neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have been requested to provide additional assistance to Odisha, particularly power,” an official statement said.

“Sixty per cent of affected telecom towers are expected to be operational by evening and diesel supplies are being provided to make them functional using DG sets in the absence of regular power supply. Sufficient stocks of diesel and other fuels are available in Odisha,” the statement added.

Relief measures in the cyclone FANI affected areas of Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh were reviewed by the committee  with the States and Central Ministries/Agencies concerned on Sunday.

“Odisha informed that power and telecommunication facilities are gradually being restored in the Cyclone affected areas. Major damages to the power transmission and distribution systems are reported in Bhubaneswar and Puri. Mobile services have been restored partially. In both the cities, about 70 per cent water supply will be restored by today evening. Odisha also requested for supply of storage water tanks,” the statement said.

Sinha also suggested that Public Sector companies in Power and Oil and Gas sector contribute towards relief efforts under their CSR funding. The Ministry of Steel has provisioned about 3,500 steel electric poles and additional quantities are being arranged. The manufacturing of additional poles has also been undertaken.

Railways have reintroduced 85 of the 138 cancelled trains. The main line to Bhubaneswar has commenced operations while Puri will be ready to receive trains in about 4 to 5 days. Flight operations to Bhubaneswar resumed with 41 flights operating yesterday, even though the local airport suffered extensive damage.

The Defence Ministry through special transport planes and helicopters moved medicines and other relief material. Naval and Coast Guard vessel near Odisha coast have enough water supplies to be supplied to affected areas.

 

 

 

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