WATCH: Odisha Ambulance Worker Carries Patient For 2 KM In Heavy Rains Amid Cyclone Dana

A video shared by PTI shows the worker carrying the woman in heavy rain, accompanied by another man holding a stretcher.

An ambulance worker carried a woman patient for 2 km amid heavy rains due to Cyclone Dana in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. A video shared by PTI shows the worker carrying the woman in heavy rain, accompanied by another man holding a stretcher. Once they reached the ambulance, two other workers inside assisted with her care.

Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that around 35.95 lakh people in the state have been impacted by cyclone Dana along with flooding in 14 districts.

He noted that 8,10,896 people were moved to 6,210 cyclone relief centers, with Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak being the most affected areas. Fortunately, the official casualty count remains zero. “By 10.30 am of Sunday, evacuated people were sheltered in 1,178 cyclone relief centres and they are being provided cooked food and other essential items,” the minister said, news agency PTI reported.

Cyclone Dana Impacts 14 Districts In Odisha

Polythene sheets are being distributed to those who lost their homes in the disaster. Cyclone Dana, which hit early on Friday, has impacted people across 1,671 gram panchayats in 108 blocks spanning 14 districts. Preliminary assessments show around 5,840 homes have been fully or partially damaged by the cyclone and resulting floods, according to Pujari.

“Whenever there is a disaster, people lose their houses and get compensation. This time, we want to bring a permanent solution to the problem and provide pucca houses to them in a phased manner,” he said. The Odisha government is also planning a survey of kutcha houses in areas prone to cyclones and flooding across the state.

Pujari also added about the “huge crop loss” in the aftermath of the cyclone. It hit the eastern coast early on Friday, resulting a torrential rain and high-speed winds.

He also indicated the swollen Budhabalang River, which has mostly affected the Balasore district. Pujari explained that the level of water in the river has remained static and below the danger level, “but above the warning sign”