BASAR, 10 Jul: Local MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi on Thursday visited the worst-affected areas in Dari circle of Leparada district to assess the extent of damages caused due to devastating flash floods triggered by a cloudburst of 28 June, and to oversee immediate relief and restoration measures.

The joint survey, led by the MLA, covered the villages of Padi, Chisi, Dali, Ego Camp, Old Dari, New Dari, Zirdo, Jime and Ichi in Dari circle, all of which sustained extensive damages to residential houses, roads, public infrastructure, agricultural and horticultural lands, and other means of livelihood due to the flash floods.

The MLA was accompanied by Leparada ZPC Nyamar Riba, IAS probationer Ritika Chitlangia, the DPO, and senior officers from the Public Works Department, Power (Electrical) Department, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Water Resources Department, Rural Works Department, Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and Veterinary Departments, and other officials during the visit.

During the inspection, the MLA directed all departments concerned to undertake a comprehensive assessment of damages to roads, bridges, public infrastructure, agricultural and horticultural lands and private properties to facilitate timely submission of proposals for relief, rehabilitation and restoration.

She stressed that restoration of road connectivity and essential public services should be accorded the highest priority to ensure that normalcy is restored at the earliest.

Dirchi also interacted with affected families in the villages, assessed their immediate needs and assured them of all possible assistance from the government. As an immediate humanitarian gesture, she extended financial assistance out of pocket, and distributed essential relief materials to the worst-affected households during the visit.

Among all the affected locations, Ichi village emerged as the worst-hit. The recently completed 10km PMGSY road connecting Dali to Ichi, which was awaiting formal inauguration, suffered nearly 90 per cent damage after being washed away at multiple locations, leaving the village completely cut off from the rest of the district.

Further, officials of the Power Department and the PHED informed the MLA that restoration of electricity and safe drinking water supply would be possible only after road connectivity is re-established to facilitate transportation of repair materials and equipment.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the MLA announced an immediate financial contribution of Rs 10 lakh out of pocket towards the temporary restoration of the damaged road to facilitate early restoration of essential services and ensure uninterrupted relief operations.

Expressing confidence in the continued support of both the state and the central governments, the MLA stated that adequate relief and rehabilitation assistance would be extended to all affected areas at the earliest.

Dirchi, along with the HoDs, is scheduled to visit Disi village in Basar circle on Saturday to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the damages and interact with affected families there. Disi village has also been extensively affected by the recent flash floods. (DIPRO)