The Government of Odisha has stepped up relief and restoration measures after a whirlwind struck Mayurbhanj district on March 15, affecting 3,217 people across nine villages in Karanjia block.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister chaired a review meeting today in the presence of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister, senior officials, and the Collector of Mayurbhanj. Officials reported that 2,200 people were evacuated and sheltered in six relief camps. Tragically, two people died and 38 sustained injuries. The storm damaged 512 houses, mostly kutcha structures, and impacted nearly 111 hectares of crops.
Relief camps remain operational, serving free meals to 2,200 beneficiaries. Authorities have distributed 1,450 polythene sheets, deployed three medical teams, and arranged drinking water through tankers and bottled supplies. Four fire service teams are engaged in search and rescue operations.
On March 16, the Forest and Environment Minister and the Additional Special Relief Commissioner visited the affected areas to assess the situation. The government has released Rs 5.70 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for house building assistance, clothing, utensils, and camp operations.
The Revenue Minister directed the Collector to deploy nodal officers in affected villages, continue free kitchens in schools and Anganwadi centres, complete damage assessments quickly, and expedite disbursement of house-building assistance within two days. Additional health camps, police patrolling, and restoration of essential services like water, roads, and electricity were also ordered.
The government assured that all affected families will receive timely support and that restoration work will continue until normalcy is restored.
