Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a Rs 1,000 crore relief package for flood-affected areas and said free kitchens would continue to serve people evacuated from inundated regions until the situation improves.
The announcement came as the state grappled with its second spell of flooding in a month, with Majhi saying Odisha has received around 1,100 mm of rainfall since June, 34 per cent above normal and the highest in 25 years.
Addressing a press conference, Majhi said the state had initially expected below-normal rainfall based on the India Meteorological Department’s El Nio forecast and had accordingly directed reservoirs to conserve water. However, the state received significantly more rain than anticipated.
Majhi reviewed the situation in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapara, where the latest spell has affected nearly 9.4 lakh people.
The chief minister said preventing casualties remained the government’s priority. He added that around 100 people had suffered snake bites in flood-hit areas but survived due to the availability of anti-venom injections.
At least six people were killed during the first spell of flooding, while the government was yet to confirm the toll from the latest spell.
The Rs 1,000 crore package has been announced based on a preliminary assessment, with additional funds to be released if required after detailed damage assessments from the affected districts, Majhi said.
The package includes agricultural input assistance for farmers who suffered crop losses, seed distribution, repairs to lift irrigation projects and support for people who have lost their livelihoods.
Small and marginal farmers whose crops have suffered 33 per cent or more damage will receive Rs 8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated land and Rs 22,500 per hectare for all-season or perennial crops.
Affected farmers will also receive financial assistance to purchase paddy and non-paddy seeds, along with free vegetable mini-kits to restart cultivation. Those affected by pest damage following the floods will be eligible for a 75 per cent subsidy.
Majhi said lift irrigation projects would be repaired on priority, while short-term Kharif loans could be converted into medium-term loans for farmers who opt for the facility.
The package will also cover losses suffered by fisherfolk, including damage to fishing nets and boats, as well as livestock losses.
Speaking about his visit to the flood-hit areas, Majhi said he travelled by road through Jajpur and Bhadrak to assess the situation, unlike during the first spell when he had conducted a survey.
The state has deployed 45 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, eight National Disaster Response Force teams and 65 fire service teams for rescue and relief operations, Majhi said.
– Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 18, 2026 20:23 IST
