Bhubaneswar, March 17 Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday directed the Mayurbhanj district administration to expedite relief measures for people affected by a "cyclonic wind" in several villages.
The "cyclonic wind", typically a storm with strong winds moving in a circular motion, struck numerous villages in the Karanjia block on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the death of two people and injuries to 38 others, officials said.
According to official data, 3,217 people in nine villages were affected, of whom 2,200 were evacuated and sheltered in six relief camps.
As many as 512 houses and crops spread over 111 hectares were damaged due to the strong, gusty winds, they said.
The Odisha government has released ₹5.70 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) towards assistance for house construction, clothing, utensils, and relief camps.
At a review meeting, Pujari asked the district collector to complete the disbursement of assistance for house construction within the next two days.
Six relief centres remain operational, providing free meals to 2,200 beneficiaries. A total of 1,450 polythene sheets have been distributed among the affected families, the officials said.
Drinking water is being supplied through tankers and bottles, while three medical teams and four fire service units have been deployed in the affected areas, an official statement said.
The minister also asked officials to set up additional health camps and ensure proper care for expectant mothers.