Bhubaneswar, November 1: More than 2.57 lakh animals have been affected by floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab in Odisha, with over 97,000 poultry birds and hundreds of other livestock reported dead, according to official data released on Sunday.

As many as 2,57,376 animals have been affected, including 1,18,479 cattle and buffaloes and 1,38,897 goats and sheep. In addition, 1,15,649 poultry birds have been affected by the floods.

The death toll includes 126 cattle and buffaloes, 406 goats and sheep, and 97,003 poultry birds. The disaster has also affected 13,320 livestock owners across the state.

The state government has stepped up rescue, relief and veterinary operations in the flood-hit areas. So far, 1,918 animals have been rescued and shifted to shelters established at 31 locations.

To provide emergency veterinary care, 72 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed, while 116 animal health camps have been organised. Post-cyclone vaccination has also been administered to 19,582 animals.

Ganjam district has received 201.4 metric tonnes of cattle feed, of which 87 metric tonnes have been distributed. Besides, 53.53 quintals of green fodder and 42.41 quintals of rice bran have been supplied to ensure adequate feed for livestock.

Officials said adequate stocks of cattle feed were available and arrangements were in place for their immediate supply to affected areas. Control rooms have also been set up at block, subdivision and district levels to coordinate rescue and relief operations.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik has directed officials to ensure the speedy disbursement of compensation to livestock owners who have suffered losses.

In Ganjam district alone, 23 Rapid Response Teams have been deployed and 55 animal health camps organised to provide emergency veterinary services to affected livestock.