Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Monday that the state government has disbursed Rs. 20.38 crore to support relief efforts and provide financial aid to residents of Mayurbhanj district impacted by a recent devastating hailstorm.
Speaking to the media, Pujari emphasized that additional funds would be allocated if necessary, underscoring the government’s commitment to recovery efforts.
The Minister revealed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Odisha from March 20 to 24, prompting the Revenue Department to mobilize Fire Services and block-level officials to prepare for potential emergencies.
Mayurbhanj district, particularly the blocks of Bangiriposi and Bisoi, suffered extensive damage due to a fierce nor’wester (Kalabaisakhi) on March 20. “I visited the affected areas on Sunday to assess the situation firsthand,” Pujari said, noting that these blocks bore the heaviest brunt of the storm.
Preliminary reports from the district administration indicate that the hailstorm affected 8,547 people across 51 villages in 13 blocks of Mayurbhanj. In response, authorities swiftly established 24 relief centers, distributing dry and cooked food to those displaced.
Additionally, 15 medical teams have been deployed to provide healthcare services, and 2,133 polythene sheets have been handed out to offer temporary shelter. Local MLAs also visited the affected zones to oversee relief operations.
Following a virtual meeting, Pujari instructed the Mayurbhanj district administration to conduct an initial damage assessment. The report revealed that 3,514 houses were damaged—along with crops across 442 hectares—prompting the immediate release of Rs. 20.38 crore for house repairs and relief camp management.
The Minister also took aim at opposition parties, accusing them of obstructing relief efforts by staging an eight-hour road blockade that delayed the delivery of essential supplies to the affected areas. “Such actions hinder our ability to help those in need,” he remarked sharply.
