Severe damages were reported across parts of Odisha following the onslaught of Cyclone Arnab, prompting the state administration to step in with substantial financial backing. To provide immediate relief to those bearing the brunt of the natural disaster, the government has finalized a comprehensive financial package. Driven by the directives of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, authorities have expedited the distribution framework so that impacted residents can receive monetary support to manage their daily necessities during these challenging times.
Over 4.3 Lakh Households Targeted for Relief
Official data released by the Odisha government on November 4 outlines that a total of 4,30,833 affected families across the Ganjam and Koraput districts will receive this cash assistance. Funds have been swiftly dispatched to the respective district administrations to ensure that eligible households experience zero delays in getting their due share. Reaching out to such a massive pool of disaster-struck citizens stands as a crucial step toward restoring normalcy in the affected regions.
Total Sanction Exceeds Rs 107 Crore
A staggering sum of over Rs 107.70 crore has been sanctioned from the State Disaster Response Fund for this relief operation. The lion's share is allocated to Ganjam district, where 4,29,782 impacted families will each receive Rs 2,500, totaling an amount of Rs 107 crore 44 lakh 55 thousand. Meanwhile, in Koraput district, 1,051 affected families are set to receive Rs 2,500 each, accounting for an allocation of Rs 26 lakh 27 thousand 500. Combined, the total financial outlay reaches Rs 107 crore 70 lakh 82 thousand 500 for both regions. The destructive fury of Cyclone Arnab earlier caused severe devastation, including five fatalities in Andhra Pradesh alongside thousands of uprooted trees and power poles, highlighting the catastrophic scale of the storm.
Funds Transferred to District Collectors
To streamline distribution and maintain transparency, the government has transferred the entire sanctioned corpus directly to the collectors of the respective districts. Local administrations are now tasked with disbursing the monetary aid to eligible beneficiaries in strict accordance with established protocols and official guidelines. The core objective remains to deliver timely financial relief so that families can cope with the immediate aftermath of the weather calamity.
Part of Broader Rehabilitation Strategy
This financial support forms an integral component of the wider relief package announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Drawing resources from the State Disaster Response Fund, the initiative aims to provide a cushion for disaster-hit households, helping them transition back toward everyday life. While distribution remains under the direct oversight of local district authorities, adherence to defined regulatory guidelines is mandatory for all disbursements.
