Meanwhile, migrant labourers from Orissa continued to board trains bound for the East and Bhusawal, from where connecting trains are available. Leaders said the mass movement is expected to continue for at least another week.

Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) president Amarnath Dora, while speaking to Express Newsline, stated that he expected at least one lakh labourers to leave the city in the next few days. ``This exodus will hamper 25 per cent of production for November and can have a severe impact,'' the SGCCI president said.

At least 70 per cent of workers employed in the various units connected with the textile industry in Surat are Oriyas and their going back has pulled back production by 30 to 40 per cent, industrialists connected to the textile industry here said.

Laxman Dobariya, president of the Kim Pipodra Weavers' Association, said on Wednesday that of the total 890 units there, three fourths had already gone on Diwali vacation when the cyclone hit Orissa but 25 per cent were functioning. ``What is worrying is that all those who are going have stated that they will not return for about two months, which means that production will be hit at least until January next,'' Dobariya said.

Katargam Industrial Association president Jayanti Gajjar also complained of a 40 to 45 per cent fall in production after Oriya labourers started rushing home following the cyclone. ``All the 850 to 900 units of the estate have been affected because of the exodus,'' he said.

Dyeing, printing and other industries located at Magdalla Road, Udhna, Sachin, Pandesara, Varachha, Kapodara and Ved Road areas have also been affected as the entire 7 lakh-odd Oriya labourers are employed in industrial units in and around the city.