Bhubaneswar: The union minister for petroleum and steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, Saturday made an aerial survey of areas ravaged by heavy rain and flash flood in Bolangir and promised all possible assistance from the Centre.

Accompanied by BJP’s Bolangir MP Sangita Singhdeo and Kalahandi MP Basanta Panda, the union minister surveyed the flood ravaged district of Bolangir, Kalahandi, Boudh and Subarnapur. He also interacted with a number of people who were hit by the recent flash flood and heard their grievances after conducting aerial survey of the affected areas.

Pradhan said that heavy rains and floods in the rivers have caused massive damage to crops, houses and infrastructures. After reviewing the status of ongoing relief and restoration work in affected areas of Bolangir with senior officials of the district administration and stakeholders, the minister appreciated the efforts of locals, officials and journalists in reaching out to help the people in distress.

The minister urged the officials to submit the complete damage reports so that relief and restoration works could be taken up immediately. He also emphasized on disbursement of Mudra loans to the small businessmen and vendors.

Pradhan visited Laxmizor Dam at Barpalipada in Balangir district and interacted with the affected people.