Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has released Rs 136 crore to flood‑hit districts for relief and rehabilitation, while reports confirm that 5,044 houses have been damaged so far, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Wednesday.
Pujari noted that Rs 110 crore was released in the first phase, with Baleshwar receiving Rs 22 crore, Jajpur and Bhadrak Rs 20 crore each, and smaller allocations to Sundargada, Rayagada, and Malkangiri. An additional Rs 26 crore was later sanctioned, including Rs 5 crore each for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar, and Baleshwar.
Relief materials distributed include 90.5 quintals of rice, 2,692 quintals of flattened rice, 356.3 quintals of jaggery, and 1,729 metric tonnes of animal feed. The government has also provided 8,708 polythene sheets to families whose houses were damaged.
For rescue and emergency operations, 18 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF teams, and 140 Fire Services teams have been deployed across affected areas.
The Minister said a special package for farmers and affected sectors is under preparation, with departments of Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Resources, and Co‑operation working together. Compensation for damaged houses is being transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, with district administrations instructed to cross‑check figures to ensure no family is left out.
Pujari assured that additional funds would be released once final damage reports are received from all districts.