Locals block road in Patna block after hailstorm damages homes

Keonjhar: Hundreds of villagers of Patna block burnt tyres at different locations, obstructing NH-220 and demanding rehabilitation and compensation for losses caused by hailstorm on Tuesday afternoon.

Protests erupted when the local administration allegedly failed to provide shelter and assistance after a severe hailstorm caused considerable damage. Many people were rendered homeless and took refuge in others’ houses. Agitators protested at Dakshinaposhi, Malli Poshi, Swam Hanuman Chack on NH-220 and Patna Bypass.

Hailstorm affected villages in six panchayats of Patna block, damaging asbestos roofs, tiles and clay houses. Sources said Saharpada block witnessed a similar hailstorm in some areas on Wednesday morning, in which many suffered minor injuries.

Villagers claimed to have spent a sleepless night in the absence of roof over their houses and waterlogging inside. However, in the alleged absence of help from the administration, locals obstructed NH-220. They gheraoed the Patna tehsil office, demanding immediate rehabilitation. Vehicle movement on the Dhenkikote-Patna-Karanjia road was affected as a result of the protest.

Patna block development officer Manas Dandpat, tehsildar Aswini Nayak and IIC Kiran Prasad Sahu along with others visited the site in a bid to mediate with the people.

“After listening to the people’s problems and demands, the blockade was withdrawn,” the IIC said.

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