1.52 lakh ha affected by cyclone Fani in Odisha

A 1,52,985-hectare area covering 88 blocks in 14 districts was affected due to cyclone Fani which hit Odisha, an official said on Thursday.

Information and Public Relations Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh said as per a preliminary damage assessment report, a 1,52,985- hectare area has been affected in the cyclonic storm.

Less than 33 per cent crop loss has been reported in 1.21 lakh hectare in the districts, he said.

Out of the total crop damage, 36,898 hectare are irrigated and 72,786 hectare are rain-fed.

Singh said 12,277 hectare perennial crops have been affected due to the cyclone.

As per a preliminary estimate, Rs 145.45 crore assistance is needed for the crop loss, he added.

A joint verification is going on in the affected districts to assess the crop loss, the official said.

Speaking on telecommunications, Singh said only 32 per cent towers across all services are functional in the affected areas.

Out of the total 4,543 BTS sites, 1,450 are operational, he added. IANS