In response to the unseasonal rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system between May 27 and May 30, 2025, the Odisha government has pledged swift compensation for farmers and residents whose crops and homes have been damaged.
A virtual review meeting was held at the office of the Special Relief Commissioner to assess the situation and expedite the process of damage evaluation and relief distribution. The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, and Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Dr. Prabhat Kumar Roul. District Collectors from various regions also joined to discuss the extent of the damage and the compensation process.
At the outset, Smt. Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Branch of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), provided a detailed update on the current low-pressure situation and the weather forecast for the coming days. According to available data, the state recorded an average rainfall of 41.9 mm during the period. Eight districts—Kendrapara, Kalahandi, Jagatsinghpur, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Bhadrak, Sonepur, and Rayagada—experienced over 50 mm of rainfall, while 22 other districts recorded between 10 and 50 mm.
Minister Suresh Pujari emphasised that the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, is conducting a joint survey to assess the losses. The government has declared the unseasonal rainfall a state-specific natural disaster, ensuring that every affected farmer and individual with damaged property receives compensation. “The government is vigilant to ensure that no one is left out of the compensation process,” Minister Pujari stated, adding that immediate action will be taken once District Collectors submit their damage reports.
The unseasonal rains have caused significant damage to crops and residential structures across the state, prompting urgent action from the authorities. The government’s proactive approach aims to provide timely relief to those impacted, reinforcing its commitment to supporting farmers and residents during this challenging period.
