Journalism of Courage
The Centre has directed the Orissa,Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal government to first clear the felled trees on the roads as they may hamper relief and rescue operations. The home ministry has told the disaster management departments to equip themselves with sophisticated tree-cutting equipment to ensure smooth transportation of relief material and restoration of electricity and telecommunications facilities.
If the roads are blocked,there can be no movement of any personnel or relief material, pointed out an official.
Officials said some parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand may also be affected,as they predicted floods in areas near the water reservoirs. We have issued advisories to these states asking them to evacuate people living in these areas. Heavy rainfall is predicted for the next five-six days,which will further complicate the rescue and relief work, added the official.
The Centre has set up a coordination team to ensure early restoration of power and telecom facilities. Officials said the cyclone may also leave a large number of houses damaged.
