Bhubaneswar, November 11: The Odisha Government has extended emergent relief assistance to all blocks of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts, affected by severe flood and landslide caused due to the cyclone Arnab.

According to a press release issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), every family in all blocks of these three districts will receive 50 kg of rice and financial assistance of Rs 2,500 under the state government's relief package announced by Chief Minister.

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District Collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal have been directed to immediately begin the identification, enumeration and verification of eligible families to ensure transparent and timely distribution of relief assistance.

For the supply of rice, the district administrations have been instructed to coordinate with the respective District Civil Supplies Officers (CSOs) and the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) for immediate requisition and lifting of stocks.

The financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per family will primarily be transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. In areas where banking services have been disrupted, authorised alternative modes of payment will be adopted, with proper documentation and record maintenance.

To ensure effective implementation and accountability, the three District Collectors have also been instructed to submit block-wise daily progress reports on rice distribution and cash disbursement to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) by 5 pm every day until the relief distribution drive is completed.

Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on November 2 announced a comprehensive relief package for people affected by cyclone Arnab, extending assistance to farmers, families whose houses were damaged, livestock owners, fishermen, women self-help groups (SHGs), weavers, artisans and small businesses.