Odisha CM announces special package for families affected by Cyclone Arnab

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chairs a meeting to review the post-cyclone 'Arnab' situation and the measures being taken to address it, on October 31, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday (October 2, 2026) announced a special package of 50kg of rice and ₹2,500 for every family affected by the recent rain and flood in the southern districts, besides damages for losses to crops and property due to Cyclone Arnab.

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With another cyclonic storm expected to hit the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said the relief package will be reviewed again upon assessing damage after the weather system passes.

After reviewing the prevailing flood situation in the State in the evening, CM Majhi said people in several districts, especially Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal, were affected by cyclone Arnab and its aftermath of heavy rainfall.

“Thousands of acres of crops and several houses have been damaged,” he told reporters and pointed out that assessment of damage was underway while the primary task was relief distribution and restoration.

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"I am hopeful that normalcy will return in affected areas in the next one or two days as the administration is taking all necessary measures," he said.

The Chief Minister announced that all affected families will get 50kg of rice and ₹2,500 in cash.

Small and marginal farmers, who sustained crop loss of 33% and above, will receive an agricultural input subsidy of ₹8,500 per hectare of land in rain-fed and non-irrigated areas, while ₹17,000 per hectare of land will be provided for areas under assured irrigation, he said.

Similarly, assistance for perennial crops like mango and cashew will be ₹22,500 per hectare, the Chief Minister said, adding that a minimum agricultural input subsidy of ₹2500 will be given to any affected farmer for perennial crops and ₹1000 for non-irrigated areas.

"The government will provide ₹18,000 to each affected farmer to remove sand and silt from the fields. The State will also provide 1.75 lakh mini kits to farmers for free," he added.

Under the housing sector, he said assistance of ₹1.20 lakh will be given for fully damaged houses in the plains, ₹1.30 lakh in hilly areas, while ₹6,500 and ₹4,000 will be given for partially damaged pucca and kutcha houses, respectively.

CM Majhi said his government has decided to provide compensation of ₹10,000 for affected small shops, street vendors and kiosks and ₹25,000 for affected big shops and commercial establishments.

For fisherfolk, he announced assistance of ₹22,500 for boat purchase and ₹15,000 for fishing nets. Besides, financial assistance of up to 75% at a rate of ₹1.12 lakh per hectare will be distributed to affected fish farmers, CM Majhi added.

For the handicrafts and handloom sector, assistance of ₹5000 will be distributed per artisan for replacement of equipment and ₹5,000 per artisan for loss of raw material/goods in process/finished goods.

Published - November 02, 2026 08:11 am IST