Phailin in mind, prayers on lips

GOPALPUR-ON-SEA/ BERHAMPUR: Panic gripped people along Ganjam coast on Saturday, notwithstanding the weatherman's prediction that impact of cyclone Hudhud will be lesser on Odisha compared to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Fear also stalked people of 27 villages along the 55-km coast in the southern Odisha district. The apprehension stemmed from the trail of devastation left by Phailin exactly a year back.
It was literally the lull before the storm. The bustling activities on the sea beach were missing. Wind speed and rainfall increased; so also, anxiety of nolias (fishermen) in the tourist resort town. Hundreds of people from Berhampur thronged the beach to witness the turbulent sea.
"We lost everything in Phailin. Although the district administration evacuated us, we had a horrifying experience the night when the cyclone hit Gopalpur coast. Most of us were injured by flying debris," said G Appa Ra, a resident of Nolia Street at Gopalpur. "We prayed to god to keep us safe this time," he added.
Asked whether they are aware of the approaching Hudhud's low intensity, Gangama of the same locality said, "Government officers have assured that this time we are not in the danger zone. But we want to shift to a safe place."
Mostly fishermen reside in the street full of thatched houses and dwelling units with asbestos roofs. With possible danger in mind, they have not ventured into the sea for past few days.
"The sea is very rough. Tidal waves as high as three to four metre are lashing the beach," said former chairperson of Gopalpur notified area council (NAC) Sashi Bhusan Mohanty. Women are worshipping the sea to appease it, said ward member M Manimala.
Most people vented their ire against government apathy. "Phailin damaged our houses. Unfortunately, government assistance is a distant dream. We have received only Rs 1,800 as house damage compensation," said Babula Hati of ward 7. Since Gopalpur has a civic body, people were deprived of getting houses under Indira Awaas Yojana.
The NAC officials are holding meetings with slum people to create awareness. "We are advising people not to move outside at least when the cyclone would touch landmass and to take shelter in pucca houses. Wind speed reaching up to 80-90 kmph may damage thatched houses," said Ratnakar Pradhan, councillor, ward 3.
The administration announced through microphones the possible impact and asked people to be prepared for evacuation. "We will voluntarily go to the cyclone shelter," said Ranjit Polai of Kantiagada village. Last year, he took shelter with his family in a pucca house in the village.
Gopalpur bore the brunt of Phailin. "The roof of our hut was blown away," said E Tulasi Amma. Those residing a few metre away from the sea are keeping their fingers crossed and seeking divine help. "Hopefully, the almighty will be kind to us this time," she prayed, holding her palms together and looking at the overcast sky.