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12 feared dead in landslide in cyclone-hit Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (IANS) The Odisha government on Saturday rushed a team of rescuers after local media reported that 12 persons, including five children, lost their lives while four others were missing due to a landslide in Gajapati district.
The incident occurred in Barghara village under Gangabada panchayat under Rayagada block when the cave, in which they had taken shelter, collapsed following incessant rain triggered by cyclone Titli on Thursday.
However, the officials are yet to confirm the exact death toll.
“There are reports about the death of 12 people and missing of four persons in a landslide caused by heavy rains in Baraghara village in Gajapati district. We are verifying the reports,” said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi.
He said they can only confirm the death toll after the team returns from the spot.
The SRC said the team would have to trek about 17 km, cutting the trees to reach the spot.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed condolence over the tragic incident.
“The tragic incident of landslide in Gajapati has been most unfortunate. I extend my deepest condolence to the bereaved families,” said the Chief Minister.
Chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi said a team comprising of Gajapati district Superintendent of Police, sub-collector, doctors and other officials have gone to the landslide area.
He said the accident spot is located at the border of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh and Raighar block and it is inaccessible.
With the opposition parties questioning the poor handling of the natural calamity and the government’s zero casualty claim, the Chief Minister said, “If the opposition parties want to criticise, they can do so. We are busy in relief and rehabilitation works.”
He said after a proper assessment of damage, the state government would place its demand before the Centre for assistance.
IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.