Naveen Patnaik government steps up relief efforts.

As the death toll in the landslip in Odisha’s Gajapati district increased to 14 with the finding of two more bodies on Saturday, the State government stepped up relief work and restoration in the areas affected by Cyclone Titli.

Twelve persons, including five children, were killed in Barghara village under Gangabada panchayat in Gajapati following a landslip triggered by heavy rains on Thursday. Now, two more villagers were said to be missing.

Apart from the landslip victims, eight persons died during the natural disaster in different districts.

“I heard the information about the landslide. We are waiting for a detailed report. My deepest condolences are for the family members of the deceased,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after making an aerial survey of the flood-affected Ganjam, Rayagada and Gajapati districts on Saturday.

Personnel from the Indian Navy joined those of the National Disaster Response Force and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force in rescuing people stranded in Aska and Purusottampur areas of Ganjam which were worst affected by floods.

“Appreciate valiant efforts of @indiannavy divers in high risk operations at Aska, putting their own lives in danger to save the lives of people marooned in their flooded homes post #CycloneTitli. We will take every possible step to reach each affected person with required help,” tweeted Mr. Patnaik.

Upon his return to Bhubaneswar, CM announced that all affected families of Ganjam, Gajapati and Gunupur subdivision of Rayagada district would be given relief for 15 days. “On an average, a family of four members will be assisted with more than ₹3000 as relief. This is at the rate of ₹60 per adult and ₹45 per child. Connectivity, safe drinking water and electricity supply will be restored within 48 hours,” he said.