Odisha has released Rs 136 crore for relief and rehabilitation in flood-affected districts, even as the extent of damage continues to be assessed across the state. As of Wednesday, 5,044 houses had been reported damaged, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said.The government is yet to close the damage assessment. Pujari said more funds would be made available after final reports are received from all districts, indicating that the current allocation is not necessarily the end of the state’s financial response.Compensation for damaged houses is already being credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. District administrations have also been directed to cross-check the damage figures so that eligible families are not missed during the verification process.The Rs 136 crore released so far has been divided across affected districts in two stages. The first release amounted to Rs 110 crore, including Rs 22 crore for Balasore and Rs 20 crore each for Jajpur and Bhadrak. Sundargarh, Rayagada and Malkangiri also received allocations from this tranche.A further Rs 26 crore was sanctioned subsequently. Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar and Baleshwar were each allocated Rs 5 crore under this additional release.The financial assistance is being accompanied by material support for families and livestock in flood-hit areas. The state has distributed 90.5 quintals of rice, 2,692 quintals of flattened rice and 356.3 quintals of jaggery. Another 1,729 metric tonnes of animal feed has been supplied, while 8,708 polythene sheets have been provided to households whose homes suffered damage.The government is also preparing assistance beyond immediate relief. According to Pujari, the Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Resources and Co-operation departments are working together on a special package for farmers and other sectors affected by the floods.With district-level assessments still being consolidated, the state’s eventual relief requirement is expected to become clearer once the final damage reports are submitted. The government has indicated that further funding will follow based on those assessments.
Odisha Releases Rs 136 Crore for Flood Relief, More Aid Likely
