Odisha Announces Rs 110 Crore Flood Relief Package

The package will provide immediate support for flood victims, including compensation for damaged houses, crop losses, and livestock deaths. The announcement comes at a time when thousands of families across several districts are struggling to rebuild their lives after swollen rivers inundated villages, destroyed standing crops, and disrupted livelihoods.

“Relief should reach the affected people without any delay,” Mr Majhi told officials while reviewing the flood situation. He directed field-level officials to expedite the assessment of damages and extend assistance to eligible beneficiaries on a priority basis.

The state government had earlier released Rs 26 crore during the peak of the flood crisis for rescue and relief operations. The funds were utilised for evacuation, temporary shelter arrangements, food distribution, and emergency assistance to displaced families.

Officials said the Rs 110 crore package is only an initial measure, and a comprehensive assessment of losses is underway across the affected districts. Additional financial assistance will be provided after the completion of the survey, based on the extent of damage suffered by individuals and communities.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in Odisha showed signs of improvement on Monday, with water levels in major rivers gradually receding. The Water Resources Department closed four more sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam, bringing the number of open gates down to 13 as inflows into the reservoir declined.

The controlled reduction in water discharge followed a significant fall in upstream inflows after the recent spell of heavy rainfall. Authorities are continuing to monitor reservoir levels, river conditions, and downstream areas to prevent any sudden rise in water levels.

Odisha Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Dilip Raut said there was no longer any major flood threat in the state, as river levels were steadily declining.

“Water levels in most rivers are receding, and the flood situation has improved considerably,” Mr Raut said, adding that some low-lying areas remained waterlogged and vulnerable locations were under close watch.

The Mahanadi river system, which bore the brunt of the recent flooding, continues to be monitored closely by authorities. District administrations have been asked to maintain vigilance until complete normalcy is restored.

The regulated release of water from the Hirakud Dam is aimed at balancing reservoir safety with downstream flood management. The gradual closure of the gates marks a significant easing of pressure on the state's flood control machinery after days of intense rainfall and widespread inundation.