Odisha recorded over 10,300 fatalities from drowning, snakebites, and natural disasters between 2021-22 and 2023-24
OdishaPlus Bureau
During the period from 2021-22 to 2023-24, the state recorded over 10,300 fatalities attributed to drowning, snakebites, and natural disasters such as floods and lightning strikes. In response to a query from Souvic Biswal (BJD) in the Assembly on Thursday, the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister reported that natural disasters caused damage to property amounting to Rs 2,301.51 crore during the same timeframe. Specifically, the death toll from these incidents included 3,351 individuals in 2021-22, 3,649 in 2022-23, and 3,302 in 2023-24.
The minister indicated that drowning was the leading cause of death, accounting for 5,534 lives lost, while snakebites resulted in 3,356 fatalities and lightning strikes caused 874 deaths over the three years. Additionally, fire incidents claimed 429 lives, heatwaves resulted in 46 deaths, and 28 individuals perished due to boat capsizes. Landslides and floods were responsible for at least 26 deaths.
Furthermore, Pujari noted that four cyclones—Yaas, Gulab, Jawad, and Michaung—occurred in the Bay of Bengal during this period, with Cyclone Yaas resulting in three fatalities in Odisha. To address the repercussions of such disasters, the minister highlighted various initiatives implemented by the state government, including the development of disaster management action plans across all departments and districts, enhancement of early warning systems, and the establishment of 24/7 control rooms. The government has also installed 122 alert siren towers as part of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.
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