Jharsuguda , Odisha :Torrential rains continued to wreak havoc in western Odisha, submerging villages and displacing hundreds of families. Former MLA Dipali Das, daughter of the late Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, visited the flood-affected zones of Laikera and Kolabira blocks, offering critical relief and support to residents.
Villages including Rengalbeda, Bhat Laida, and Babuchipidihi bore the brunt of overflowing waters from Hatianala Dam, leaving homes, farmlands, and livestock devastated. Many villagers were left homeless overnight, with their livelihoods severely impacted.
Responding to the crisis, Dipali Das appealed for immediate government intervention, urging authorities to treat the situation as a humanitarian emergency. “The pain of these villagers is real and urgent. Compensation and rehabilitation must not be delayed,” she said.
Representing the Naba Das Foundation, Das distributed dry rations, tarpaulins, and essential supplies to affected families, receiving emotional gratitude from locals awaiting assistance.
During her visit, Das also highlighted environmental concerns at Sialrama in Kirimira Block, where rain-triggered fly ash runoff from NH-49 construction has buried farmlands and crops, threatening farmers’ livelihoods. She called for an immediate investigation and compensation, stressing that “neglect in infrastructure planning should not come at the cost of farmers’ futures.”
Accompanying Dipali Das were senior BJD leaders, including Pintu Padhi, District President Harish Ganatra, Ravi Singh, Gopal Behera, Mohammed Kalim, and Manas Sahu Prasad, all pledging continued support to the distressed communities.
The relief effort underscores a rapid and compassionate response to the ongoing flood crisis, while pressing authorities for timely aid and rehabilitation measures.
