Odisha Begins Flood Damage Assessment as Over 8.63 Lakh People Affected; Compensation Process Underway

As floodwaters continue to recede across Odisha, the hardship for thousands of affected families remains severe. The Odisha government on Monday began the process of assessing flood-related damage, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced during a press conference.

The minister said officials from the Revenue and Agriculture departments have started conducting field assessments to determine the extent of the losses. According to the preliminary estimate, the floods have caused damage worth ₹42.80 crore.

To support relief and rehabilitation efforts, the state government has already released ₹36.98 crore to district collectors. An additional ₹110 crore will be disbursed on Monday. The minister said damage assessment and compensation distribution will be carried out simultaneously to ensure prompt assistance to affected families.

The government has also earmarked ₹12.88 crore towards compensation for losses involving livestock and domestic animals, while ₹26 crore has been released for the operation of relief centres across the flood-affected areas.

Compensation for Damaged Houses

The Odisha government has announced the following compensation package for damaged houses:

• ₹1.20 lakh for a completely destroyed house.
• ₹6,500 for partial damage to a pucca (permanent) house.
• ₹4,000 for partial damage to a kutcha (temporary) house.
• ₹8,000 for a damaged hut.
• ₹3,000 for damage to a cowshed.

Crop Loss Assistance

Farmers whose crops have been damaged due to the floods will receive compensation based on the type of agricultural land:

• ₹8,500 per hectare for rain-fed (non-irrigated) agricultural land.
• ₹17,000 per hectare for irrigated agricultural land.
• ₹22,500 per hectare for perennial or long-duration crops.

Ex-Gratia for Loss of Life

The government will provide an ex-gratia assistance of ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of each person who loses their life in the floods.

Additionally, ₹1.05 crore has been sanctioned as assistance for Fire Services personnel involved in flood relief operations.

Livestock Compensation

The government has also announced compensation for livestock losses:

• ₹37,500 for the death of a cow or other large cattle.
• ₹32,000 for a bull or buffalo.
• ₹20,000 for a calf.
• ₹4,000 for a goat or sheep.

Flood Impact Across Odisha

The current floods have affected 22 districts across Odisha. According to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department:

• 85 blocks and 15 urban local bodies have been affected.
• 656 gram panchayats and 1,458 villages have been inundated.
• 863,909 people have been affected by the floods.
• 267,301 people have been evacuated to safer locations.
• The government has operated 529 relief camps to provide shelter, food and essential services to displaced families.

The state government said relief, rehabilitation, and damage assessment operations will continue until all affected families receive the necessary assistance.