Odisha government announces emergency relief for Cyclone Arnab-hit families

Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: In a major relief measure for families affected by Cyclone Arnab, the Odisha government has extended emergency assistance to all blocks of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.

Under the expanded relief package, each eligible family in the three districts will receive 50 kg of rice along with financial assistance of ₹2,500.

The decision was communicated through an official letter issued by the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Odisha, on November 11, 2026. The move extends the relief package previously announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for households affected by the cyclone.

Following the government's decision, the Collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal have been directed to immediately begin the identification, enumeration and verification of eligible families across all blocks.

The district administrations have been instructed to ensure that relief assistance reaches beneficiaries smoothly, transparently and without unnecessary delays.

The financial assistance of ₹2,500 per family will preferably be transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

However, in areas where banking services have been disrupted, alternative authorised disbursement arrangements will be made to ensure that affected families receive the assistance. The authorities have also been directed to maintain proper records of payments and utilisation of funds.

For the distribution of 50 kg rice per eligible family, the district administrations will coordinate with the respective District Civil Supplies Officers (CSOs) and the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC).

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To ensure transparency and monitor the implementation of the relief package, the district Collectors have been instructed to submit block-wise daily progress reports to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

The reports must include details of rice distribution and financial assistance disbursement and must reach the authorities by 5 PM every day until the relief distribution process is completed.