Baripada, March 23: Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari today said that compensation will be provided to individuals impacted by the hailstorm in Mayurbhanj district. The storm caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in the region.
The minister made this declaration after assessing the situation in Mahulbareli and Sarasposhi areas within the Bangiriposi block. Pujari assured the affected residents that compensation would be provided by the evening.
Speaking to reporters, the Revenue Minister confirmed that the damage report had been finalized and that compensation payments would be credited directly to beneficiaries' accounts online by the end of the day. He further mentioned that individuals without Aadhaar-linked bank accounts would receive their compensation through direct cash transfer.
“The government is dedicated to providing immediate relief to those affected. The damage report has been compiled, enabling swift processing of compensation payments. By this evening, all eligible residents will receive their financial assistance through online transfer,” Pujari stated.
Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra accompanied Pujari during the on-site assessment.
Initial reports suggest that the hailstorm affected 4,775 individuals across 47 villages in 19 gram panchayats spanning the Bangiriposi, Bisoi, Kuliana, Sarasakana, and Karanjia blocks. The storm severely damaged 350 mud houses, with 11 homes destroyed and 295 partially damaged. Additionally, four cattle sheds were destroyed, and essential services such as electricity, water supply, and transportation were disrupted.
In response to the disaster, the administration has set up relief centers for the affected residents. A total of 127 rolls of polythene have been distributed to those whose homes were damaged. Five medical teams have also been deployed to provide emergency healthcare services to the affected people.
