Torrents claim 33 lives in Orissa, trigger floods

Bhubaneswar, Jul 06 (UNI) Torrential rain caused by deep depression over Bay of Bengal has claimed 33 lives in Orissa and triggered floods in several rivers affecting over 60,000 population in 11 districts.

State Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal, who made an aerial survey of the affected districts along with the Special Relief Commissioner, today told newsmen here that communication disrupted due to floods and rains had been restored in many places.

He said water in most of the rivers had started receding and ruled out any possibility of floods in the Mahanadi system where water was fast approaching the danger level at Naraj yesterday.

Mr Samal said of the 33 casualty reported so far, 13 were killed in landslides, seven in cyclonic storm and three in wall collapse, while as many as ten people were swept away in flood waters.

The Revenue Minister said 22 people, including 17 fishermen from Chilka, were reported missing, but the latest report from Puri Collector said all the 17 fishermen were traced and returned safely.

The Rayagada-Koraput railway line blocked due to landslide had been restored.

He said the Rayagada-Koraput state Highways blocked at Guma due to landslide would be cleared in the next 48 hours, while the Rayagada-Berhampur state highway was disrupted due to the landslide had been cleared.

MORE UNI DP SJC RN1936