Odisha floods hit 1,381 villages; CM Majhi announces Rs 1,000-crore relief package
By Sukant Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a Rs 1,000-crore assistance package for flood-affected families to help them rebuild their livelihoods, as the flood situation worsened across the state, affecting nearly 9.4 lakh people in six districts.
Floodwaters have inundated 74 blocks and 1,381 villages, with Jajpur and Bhadrak among the worst-hit districts. The state government has intensified evacuation and rescue efforts while ensuring the supply of cooked meals and dry food to people stranded in inundated and inaccessible areas.
Jajpur has witnessed flooding in 10 blocks and 270 villages, affecting around 2.8 lakh people. Nearly 77,700 people have so far been evacuated, while 203 relief centres have been opened. In neighbouring Bhadrak, four blocks and 149 villages have been affected, impacting around 2.59 lakh people. More than one lakh people have been shifted to safer places, with 90 relief centres functioning in the district.
Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Kendrapara have also reported flood-related disruptions.
Reviewing the flood situation at Lok Seva Bhawan, Mr Majhi said the government’s foremost priority was to prevent further loss of life. He said more than 100 incidents of venomous snakebite had been reported during the floods, but there had been no fatalities, which he attributed to preparedness and timely emergency response.
As part of the relief package, farmers whose crops have suffered losses of 33 per cent or more will be eligible for input assistance. The government will also provide paddy and non-paddy seeds, along with vegetable mini-kits, to enable farmers to resume cultivation. Assistance will also be extended for damaged livestock, ponds, boats and fishing nets.
Artisans whose livelihoods have been affected will receive Rs 5,000 to purchase handloom equipment. The relief measures will also cover damaged household utensils, clothes and stored rice.
The government has deployed 45 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in the affected districts, in addition to fire service personnel.
The Chief Minister said Rs 136 crore had already been released in two phases through the State Relief Commissioner for immediate relief operations. Additional compensation will be released after detailed assessments of the damage are completed.
