Jharsuguda boat mishap death toll rises to 2, Odisha CM announces exgratia of Rs 4 lakh each
Jharsuguda: The death toll due to the boat mishap that took place in the Mahanadi River in Jharsuguda earlier today rose to two with the death of another person.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his deep grief over the loss of lives due to the boat tragedy and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
Patnaik also announced an exgratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the kin of the deceased persons. He also directed the local administration to provide better treatment to the people who were rescued and have been admitted at the hospital following the mishap. Besides, he prayed for their speedy recovery.
The Chief Minister also informed that the Jharsuguda RDC, Collector and SP are present at the spot and are managing the rescue operation. He also directed the Chief Secretary and SRC to work in co-coordination and intensify the rescue operations.
As directed by the Chief Minister, five expert Scuba divers along with two underwater search cameras are being urgently air-lifted from Bhubaneswar to reach Jharsuguda to join the rescue operation.
On the other hand, fire team from Ambabhona Fire Station is at the spot while rescue teams from Bhatli, Bargarh, Lakhanpur and Sambalpur are on the way.
It is to be noted here that around 50 people including children and women were going to Banjhipali in Bargarh district from Saradha on a boat. Unfortunately, the boat capsized in the middle of the journey when it reached near Saradha under Lakhanpur block.
Some local fishermen soon rushed to the spot and rescued more than 40 people. However, while one had died by the time, six others went missing after the boat overturned in Mahanadi River.
Ms Kalinga