Bhubaneswar, May 21 (IANS): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday made an aerial survey of cyclone Amaphan-affected areas in the state and expressed deep concern over extensive damages, especially to the standing crops.

He ordered early repair of damaged infrastructure and restoration of normalcy in the affected districts.

While road clearance and connectivity issues are likely to be sorted out by Friday morning, power supply in CESU areas could be restored in the next 24 hours and NESCO areas in 72 hours. Manpower and material have been mobilised for restoration work.

The Chief Minister asked for crop damage assessment to be completed in three days and survey of damages to houses and buildings in a week.

Over 44 lakh people in 89 blocks have been affected by the cyclone in the state.

The Chief Minister also expressed deep grief at the loss of lives and damages to properties in West Bengal. The people of Odisha stood with the people of West Bengal at this hour of crisis, he said.

Extending a helping hand to the neighbouring state, Patnaik asked the Odisha Chief Secretary to be in touch with the West Bengal Chief Secretary and offer all possible support.