In a significant relief for flood-ravaged Odisha, the Government of India has approved the advance release of ₹500 crore as the second instalment of the Central share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the financial year 2026–27.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the development on Saturday, describing it as “timely support amid the ongoing flood situation.” The funds are expected to bolster the state’s ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, provide immediate assistance to affected families, and help restore normalcy in the worst-hit regions.
“This assistance will further strengthen the State’s rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, help provide necessary support to affected families and accelerate the restoration of normalcy in flood-affected areas,” Majhi stated. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for standing firmly with the people of Odisha during this challenging period.
Odisha is currently grappling with one of its more severe flood situations this monsoon season. Heavy rainfall has caused major rivers, including the Baitarani and others in the northern and coastal belts, to swell beyond danger levels. Official updates indicate that around eight lakh people across multiple districts have been impacted, with thousands evacuated to relief camps and free kitchens operating across the state. Embankment breaches in areas such as Jajpur have worsened local conditions, prompting intensified operations by NDRF, ODRAF and state response teams.
The advance release of the second SDRF instalment comes after the Centre had already allocated a substantial annual outlay under the fund for Odisha. Officials note that such early disbursements are often made during active disasters to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential aid, temporary shelters, food, medical support and early restoration of critical infrastructure.
As monsoon activity continues with IMD warnings for further heavy rain in several districts, the additional resources are expected to give a much-needed fillip to ground-level operations. The state government has already been disbursing immediate assistance from its own resources and maintaining close monitoring under the Chief Minister’s direct oversight.
For the people of Odisha battling rising waters and disrupted livelihoods, the central support signals coordinated federal and state action at a critical moment. Authorities remain focused on reaching every affected family while preparing for any further escalation in the coming days.
