1988 Fire Victims of R.Udayagiri Still Damp Squib

Odishabarta

Paralakhemundi:On 5th April 1988 R.Udayagiri sky hovered by a slight fire flash from a hotel which immediately spread surrounded nearby shops, cottages and other houses turned to ashes of all belongings of individuals. Movement of dare devil speedy air passed out flame one after another streets of RUdayagiri,even those inhabitants about to take lunch came out to road for survival. Not only assets but shattered to succumb 5 valuable lives. Uncontrolled flame dearth of water to squeeze still at jinx for those survivors even fire brigade called from Paralakhemundi was too late to control fire.

Already 3 decades passed being block head quarter where small business shops like tea stall, Tiffin hotels, pan shops turned to ash their firms, rather their cry for help only reflected open sky. Like Samaritans few activists and philanthropists endeavoured to distribute asbestes sheets for roofing, cooked food relief for vulnerable victim’s reached.Entire small tinsel town vanquished with post-fire whirlwind darkness.

A committee formed at that time to enlist most vulnerable families.Some of them established from their own & assistance from government and non-government organizations. Still worst scene to fetch better livelihoods among vulnerable yet to reach even after long decades. Villagers still on fear while remembered that dark day of 5th April 1988, that shattered all hard earned resources & belongings.