WATCH | BJP leader Baijayant Panda explains the gravity of the situation in Odisha after Cyclone Fani, requests people to contribute for relief effort

More than 35 persons have died, scores of people injured and destruction all over as Cyclone Fani ravaged Odisha. The state needs immense help in relief and rebuilding efforts and celebrities are voicing the need to contribute. One such personality, BJP leader Baijayant Panda explained the ground situation in the state including no electricity, limited cellphone signal and debris in large parts of the state. Praising efforts of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s government and other teams working towards the evacuation and other efforts, the politician requested citizens to do whatever they can to bring the state back to normalcy after the ‘worst disaster in 20 years.’ 

“Odisha has seen its worst disaster in 20 years. Fortunately, the casualties have been limited because of the evacuation of 1.2 million people. But even today, four days after cyclone Fani, there is no electricity in large parts of the capital. There is limited cellphone signal. There is immense debris lying around everywhere. And this despite nearly 50 teams of the Central Government’s NDRF and the State Government’s ODRF working to clear all the debris and reinstate services including many departments, fire department, electricity department. So any contribution will be much appreciated to the various credible sources. And I would urge anybody who can, to contribute, “ Panda said in an interview with Republic TV. 

Earlier, several Bollywood stars like Abhishek Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, Varun Dhawan, Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani, had extended their solidarity with the people of Odisha. Many of them had shared details of the ways in which one can donate to the relief efforts

People willing to donate for Odisha can make their contributions to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. CM Patnaik had himself shared the details on Twitter. 

To donate, click here. 

READ: Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make a donation to the Odisha CM Disaster Relief Fund

PM Narendra Modi and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik conducted an aerial survey of Cyclone Fani on Monday. 

After the review, PM said, "Naveen babu ne bohat acha plan kiya, Bharat sarkar usmein unke saath reh karke sari cheezon ko aage badha payegi." 

"The Patnaik-led government has done a commendable job in evacuating coastal areas to avoid loss of lives. A central team will be visiting the state soon to assess the extent of loss and damage" 

READ: Cyclone Fani Toll Rises To 35 In Odisha, Lakhs Still Without Water And Electricity

The state government, as part of its preparations to combat the cyclone, had shifted around 12 lakh people from the coastal areas to safer places. Underlining the need for coordination between the Centre and the states during times of crisis, the Prime Minister said a "long-term" plan will be prepared to deal with such disasters in the future. 

"The Centre is committed to provide all possible efforts to Odisha for its restoration work. I would like to congratulate the people of the state for their timely efforts to battle the cyclone. The government will extend all help to the fishermen and other affected people," he added.