Hurricane Melissa Death Toll Climbs to 49, Rescue Missions Ongoing
The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has risen to 49, with over 120 people still missing as rescue teams scramble through flood-ravaged regions of eastern India. The Category 4 hurricane tore through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, displacing thousands and destroying critical infrastructure.
Catastrophic Landfall Leaves Coastal Communities in Ruins
Hurricane Melissa made landfall with 200+ km/h winds and deadly storm surges, submerging villages and cutting off entire towns. The hardest-hit areas include:
– Gopalpur (Odisha): Entire neighborhoods washed away
– Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Floodwaters paralyze city operations
– Puri (West Bengal): Stranded families await evacuation
“The storm intensified faster than predicted,” said Disaster Management Officer Rajesh Verma. “Many couldn’t evacuate in time.”
NDRF, Navy Launch Massive Search-and-Rescue Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Navy are leading rescue missions, deploying:
– Helicopters for aerial evacuations
– Boats to reach flooded villages
– Medical teams for injured survivors
Over 10,000 people have been relocated to relief camps, but remote areas remain inaccessible due to damaged roads and communication blackouts.
Families Desperate for News of Missing Loved Ones
In Kakinada and Puri, distraught relatives search for over 120 missing individuals, including fishermen and elderly residents.
“My parents haven’t been seen since the storm hit,” said Suresh Patnaik, a local fisherman.
Infrastructure Collapse Worsens Recovery Efforts
- Power outages affect millions
- Highways blocked by debris
- Train services suspended indefinitely
Odisha has declared a state of emergency, while PM Modi pledges ₹1,000 crore in immediate relief funds.
Climate Experts Warn of Stronger Storms Ahead
Meteorologists link Hurricane Melissa’s intensity to rising ocean temperatures, urging better disaster preparedness.
How to Support Victims
- Donate to Red Cross or Goonj
- Volunteer via local disaster agencies
- Share verified relief information
Long-Term Recovery Challenges
Rebuilding homes, hospitals, and livelihoods will take months—or longer. Survivors emphasize resilience: “We’ve faced cyclones before, but we’ll rebuild together.”
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