Government yet to reach out to flood victims

JAIPUR: There has been little improvement in the flood situation in Bari block with people hanging on to hope with relief yet to reach them. Thousands of flood victims are still stranded in over 50 marooned villages in the block.It has been six days since a fresh spell of flood ravaged the district with people perching on roof-tops. “We have lost everything to the flood and going hungry without food. We are yet to receive any help from either the Government or private agencies,” said Ramsankar Jena of Kaipara village.  Though the Brahmani and its tributaries have relented since Tuesday, the flood water is yet to recede from many areas of the block.“Relief has been sent to the remaining 15 gram panchayats of the block. Besides, two helicopters are engaged for airdropping of food stuffs and other materials. We are also trying to provide fodder to the livestock,” said senior bureaucrat Arvind Padhee.The Brahmani and the Kelua rivers wreaked havoc leaving thousands of people marooned in Brahmabarada, main trade centre of Rasulpur block in Jajpur district. Though the water in both the rivers has receded, the distressed people are yet to receive relief from the Government. The two colleges at Brahmabarada are under water, sources said.However, road link between the district headquarters town, Jajpur and Baruan was restored on Wednesday. With a portion of Budha bridge near Rudhia crashing in the swelling flood water, communication links between Baruan and Jajpur had been snapped since Friday.