BHUBANESWAR — The Odisha government has officially sanctioned over ₹107.70 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide immediate financial relief to families devastated by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods.The financial package, approved in accordance with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s directives, will primarily benefit severely hit populations in Ganjam and Koraput districts. Simultaneously, the Ganjam district administration has extended school closures through November 7 to facilitate extensive post-cyclone cleanup and structural safety assessments.
Ganjam District: Receiving the clear majority of the financial aid, ₹107.44 crore has been released to support 4,29,782 cyclone-hit families.
Koraput District: A sum of ₹26.27 lakh has been earmarked for 1,051 affected families experiencing localized damage.
Per-Household Assistance: Each eligible family across both districts will receive a direct cash transfer of ₹2,500 alongside 50 kg of rice to address immediate survival and household needs.
Ganjam bore the brunt of Cyclone Arnab, sustaining major infrastructure disruptions followed by secondary flooding from the Rushikulya and adjacent rivers.A preliminary assessment conducted by the Ganjam administration revealed that 498 schools suffered structural damage due to the severe weather. Consequently, all schools and Anganwadi centres across the district will remain suspended until November 7. Officials confirmed that the extended closure is vital for carrying out necessary cleaning, disinfection protocols, and critical restoration work before students can safely return.Meanwhile, an eight-member central inter-ministerial team has already begun on-ground inspections in Ganjam and Gajapati districts to evaluate the full extent of crop losses and infrastructure destruction.
