Cyclone Arnab Aftermath / Flood ravages Asika: Govt records lost, crops and infrastructure damaged

Brahmapur, Nov 5: The full extent of the devastation caused by recent floods is beginning to emerge in Asika, where not only homes, roads and farmlands but also key government offices have suffered extensive damage. As floodwaters recede, government employees are drying water-soaked files under the sun, salvaging damaged records and restoring basic administrative services from temporary setups.

Offices Under Water

At the height of the flooding, nearly four feet of water entered major government establishments, including the Tahasil office, Block office, CDPO office, police station and Agriculture Department offices in Asika.

The offices remained submerged for several hours, leaving important government records, furniture and electronic equipment damaged. More than 1,000 computers and related devices were reportedly rendered unusable, while office furniture worth several crores of rupees suffered extensive losses.

Though the buildings remain standing, many offices have been left without functional tables, chairs and equipment, severely affecting routine work.

Race to Restore Administration 

Following the recession of floodwaters, staff members have launched a large-scale clean-up operation. Water-damaged files, official documents and furniture are being dried in open spaces in an effort to recover whatever can be salvaged.

In several locations, officials have been compelled to continue government work under polythene-covered temporary arrangements due to the condition of office infrastructure.

Damage Assessment Begins 

Even as restoration work continues, teams of officials have begun assessing agricultural losses across the flood-affected region.

Joint survey teams comprising officials from the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department and Horticulture Department are visiting villages and inspecting damaged crop fields. Farmers are being asked to submit application forms along with land records, Aadhaar cards and bank account details to facilitate compensation claims.

According to agricultural officials, early completion of the assessment process and cooperation from farmers will help expedite the disbursal of government assistance.

Officials Continue Relief Efforts 

The flood has left behind a trail of destruction across Asika, affecting both public infrastructure and livelihoods. Despite damage to their own offices and homes, government personnel continue to work on relief and rehabilitation measures, ensuring assistance reaches affected residents.

Asika’s recovery effort now rests on two parallel challenges: restoring administrative systems disrupted by the flood and providing timely support to farmers who have lost their standing crops.