Odisha announces Rs 5 crore for Uttarakhand, 100 Odias trapped

BHUBANESWAR: With reports of above 100 Odias being stranded in different parts of Uttarakhand pouring in, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a contribution of Rs 5 crore for relief work in the flood hit mountain state.

"The amount will be given from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF)," an official at the Chief Minister's Office said adding that a state government official team has rushed to Dheradun to coordinate with Uttarakhand government for the safe rescue of Odias stranded in different places.

"We are in touch with Uttarakhand administration and taking all possible steps for rescue of Odias," said home secretary U N Behera.

A round-the-clock control room has been opened at Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi to assist family members of the victims. They can contact the help line no 011-24679201, 24679202, 24679203, 24679204 (Odisha Bhawan) and 0135-2710334 & 2710335 (Uttarakhand), he said.

Resident Commissioner of Odisha, Bipin Saxena has been monitoring the rescue of Odia people from Uttarakhand state. "As soon as they reach Dehradun, the state government will provide all necessary assistance for their travel, medical and other requirement," Saxena said.

Reports reaching here said that while around 40 pilgrims from Paralakhemundi area in Gajapati district are standard in Uttarakhand, 20 from Ganjam, 10 from Bhubaneswar, 16 from Jatani and 10 of a family from Cuttack are unable to come out from the flood-hit mountainous areas.

Nearly 25 pilgrims from Jatni in Khurda district and 8 from Rengali in Sambalpur are also reportedly trapped in the flood hit state.