Odisha begins 3-day Cyclone Montha damage assessment; immediate compensation for crop and property loss

The Odisha government on Thursday began a three-day state-wide assessment of damage caused by Cyclone Montha, with district administrations directed to submit detailed reports by the end of this week.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that Collectors in all affected districts have been instructed to complete the evaluation within 72 hours. In an interaction with the press, the minister informed that officials have started estimating the extent of losses starting today, with reports to be submitted within three days.

He added that the assessment will cover paddy, cotton, and vegetable crops, which have reportedly suffered extensive damage in several parts of southern and coastal Odisha.

“Officials have already reported damage to several houses due to strong winds and heavy rain. Assessment of crop loss will also begin simultaneously, and compensation will be disbursed immediately upon verification,” said the Minister.

Minister Pujari also clarified that Odisha has largely escaped major devastation as the cyclone’s trajectory shifted during landfall, but isolated areas in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, and Koraput districts have experienced wind damage and heavy rainfall.

33 Blocks And 11 Urban Areas Affected

Cyclone Montha, which brushed past Odisha following its landfall on late Tuesday night, affected 33 blocks and 11 urban areas across the state, informed the Minister.

He also noted that the government had evacuated over 19,000 people, including 2,198 pregnant women, before the cyclone’s impact, with the state deploying 161 response teams for rescue and emergency operations before landfall.

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Government Remains On Alert Until October 31

As part of continuing relief measures, 362 free kitchens have been serving cooked meals to over 18,700 evacuees in temporary shelters. Pujari said the administration will remain on alert until October 31, as intermittent rainfall is expected in some districts.

Meanwhile, officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, along with local agriculture officers, have been instructed to complete household and field verification quickly so that compensation for damaged crops and property can be processed without delay.