Odisha CM announces special package for Cyclone Arnab affected families

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is chairing a meeting on 31 October 2026 to take stock of the post-Cyclone ‘Arnab’ situation and measures taken to address it. Photo credit: ANI

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday (November 1, 2026) announced a special package of 50 kg rice and ₹ 2,500 for each family affected by the recent rain and floods in southern districts, besides compensation for crop and property losses due to Cyclone Arnab.

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With more cyclonic storms expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast, the chief minister said the relief package would be reviewed again after assessing the damage following the passage of the weather system.

Taking stock of the prevailing flood situation in the state in the evening, CM Majhi said that people in several districts especially Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal were affected by Cyclone Arnab and its aftermath of heavy rains.

“Thousands of acres of crops and several houses have been damaged,” he told reporters, pointing out that damage assessment was underway while the primary task was to distribute aid and rebuild.

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“I hope that normalcy will return in the affected areas within a day or two as the administration is taking all necessary measures,” he said.

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

Small and marginal farmers who have suffered crop loss of 33% and above will get farm 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 given in irrigated areas, he said.

Similarly, the assistance for perennial crops like mango and cashew will be ₹22,500 per hectare, the chief minister said, adding that a minimum farm input subsidy of ₹2,500 will be given to each affected farmer for permanent crops and ₹1,000 for non-irrigated areas.

“The government will provide ₹18,000 to each affected farmer to remove sand and mud from the fields. The state will also provide free mini kits worth ₹1.75 lakh to the farmers,” he added.

On the housing front, he said assistance of ₹1.20 million will be given to fully damaged houses in plains, ₹1.30 million in hilly areas, while ₹6,500 and ₹4,000 to partially damaged pucca and kutcha houses.

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

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

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

Published – 02 Nov 2026 08:11 IST