Normal Life Resumes as Fire Post the Irusumanda Blowout Abates
People of the affected villages have recovered from their fear
KAKINADA: The fire after the blowout at Mori-5 well of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) at Irusumanda village in Malkipuram mandal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar district has not been extinguished yet, but its intensity has abated considerably on Wednesday.
People of the affected villages have recovered from their fear. They are returning to their villages and resuming their normal life.
ONGC officials have laid a road through the paddy fields to carry heavy equipment and accessories to cap the well after the flames get fully extinguished after the gas in the well is completely exhausted.
In a statement, ONGC said its Crisis Management Team is proceeding with the approved blowout control plan. An approach road has been built from the rear end of the well-site. This will help clear the debris. In view of the steady progress achieved and the likelihood of escalation being remote, the district administration has advised residents in the surrounding areas to resume their normal activities.
The statement maintained that all actions are being carried out in strict compliance with the regulatory requirements and the established best practices.
Konaseema district collector R. Mahesh Kumar, ONGC Rajamahendravaram asset manager Santanu Das, executive director Vikram Saxena and Razole MLA Deva Vara Prasad told reporters on Wednesday evening at Amalapuram that the gas leak and fire has been brought under control. Capping of the well will be completed soon.
A special rig has been brought from Narsapuram. They are using five pumps to create an umbrella of water to reduce the heat.
The collector asserted that the fire is under complete control as of Wednesday evening. Capping of the oil well will be undertaken soon.
He said assessment of the property damaged due to the blowout has begun to provide compensation to the people of the four villages affected by the blowout.
