THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 12, 2026
In a major push to strengthen relief and rehabilitation
efforts amid widespread flooding, the Odisha government has released Rs 136
crore to affected districts, with 5,044 houses reported damaged so far, Revenue
and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Wednesday.
Pujari said Rs 110 crore was released in the first phase,
with Balasore receiving Rs 22 crore, while Jajpur and Bhadrak were allocated Rs
20 crore each. Smaller allocations were made to Sundargarh, Rayagada and
Malkangiri to meet urgent relief requirements. Subsequently, another Rs 26
crore was sanctioned, including Rs 5 crore each for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar
and Baleshwar.
The government has stepped up the supply of essential relief
materials in the flood-hit areas, distributing 90.5 quintals of rice, 2,692
quintals of flattened rice and 356.3 quintals of jaggery. As large numbers of
livestock have also been affected, 1,729 metric tonnes of animal feed have been
supplied, while 8,708 polythene sheets have been provided to families whose
houses were damaged.
The rescue and emergency response has also been intensified,
with 18 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF teams and 140 Fire Services teams deployed
across the affected areas to assist in rescue, evacuation and other emergency
operations.
Pujari said the government was preparing a special package
for farmers and other affected sectors, with the Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal
Resources and Co-operation departments working jointly to assess the impact and
formulate appropriate assistance measures.
Compensation for damaged houses is being transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries, the minister said, adding that district administrations have been instructed to cross-check damage figures to ensure that no affected family is excluded from the relief process.
Pujari assured that the government would release additional funds after receiving final damage assessment reports from all affected districts, underscoring the administration's commitment to ensuring timely assistance and rehabilitation for flood-hit families.
