Bhubaneswar, Aug. 2 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday assured that financial assistance and rehabilitation support would be provided to flood-hit families immediately after a comprehensive assessment of the damage is completed once floodwaters recede.
The assurance came after the Chief Minister conducted an aerial inspection of the flood-affected areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts to review the extent of devastation caused by the recent floods.
Accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Majhi surveyed more than a dozen flood-affected blocks and took stock of the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Speaking to reporters after the survey, the Chief Minister said the flood situation has started improving in most areas, although several villages remain cut off due to inundation. He expressed confidence that water levels would recede over the next couple of days, enabling officials to launch a detailed assessment of losses.
Majhi said the government has directed district administrations to complete the damage assessment within three days after the floodwaters withdraw. The exercise will cover losses to houses, agricultural land and other public infrastructure to facilitate the early release of relief assistance.
Highlighting the government’s response, the Chief Minister said nearly eight lakh people have been affected by the floods across the state. Around 2.69 lakh residents have been evacuated from vulnerable locations and shifted to safer places as part of precautionary measures.
To support the displaced population, the state has set up nearly 700 relief camps and temporary shelters, where affected families are being provided with cooked meals, dry rations, safe drinking water, healthcare services and other essential supplies.
Reiterating the government’s focus on protecting lives, Majhi said ensuring zero casualties has remained the top priority throughout the flood response. He assured that relief and rehabilitation measures would be implemented without delay once the assessment process is completed, enabling affected families to rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods at the earliest.