Orissa tornado victims blame authorities

Raj Kaniha (Orissa), Apr 6 (ANI): Villagers in tornado-hit coastal district of Kendrapada of Orissa accused the authorities of turning a deaf ear to their plight.

Villagers said that they were partially starving, as there was no proper arrangement for food and drinking water.

"There is no proper arrangement of food and authorities are only providing us with the biscuits and water. We don't have sufficient food to eat. We are still unaware of the extent of loss," said Usman Baig, a villager.

At least eleven villages under Rajkanika block of Kendrapara district were badly affected by the tornado.

However, authorities rejected the accusations, saying rehabilitation work was going on smoothly.

"We provided free kitchens at seven centers in affected villages. Now, we have also provided drinking water and water supply systems has started through generators. In the tornado there are 15 casualties, but already within 24 hours, we have paid 200,000 rupees to beneficiaries," said Lakuch Bhuriya, project director of the rehabilitation programme.

According to authorities, the local administration granted 100,000 rupees each to families of the dead, and 50,000 for those who got injured in the tornado.

At least 15 people were killed and hundreds injured when a tornado ripped off hundreds of homes across the coast on March 31. (ANI)