Kumar Bahukhandi
People use a boat to move through a flooded low-lying settlement along NH-30 at Donga Ghat in Jagdalpur, Bastar district, on September 26, 2026, following heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclonic Storm Arnab and water released from Odisha’s Khatiguda Dam. As of October 7, the Bastar administration had disbursed more than ₹9.39 crore in relief assistance to affected families. Photo: PTI
Housing compensation accounts for ₹8.78 crore as administration accelerates financial assistance, temporary shelter and disease-prevention measures in flood-hit areas
Key Highlights
- ₹9,39,29,898 in relief assistance transferred to affected families.
- More than ₹8.78 crore paid towards compensation for damaged houses.
- ₹52.45 lakh provided for loss of household utensils and other belongings.
- ₹8 lakh paid as compensation in cases involving loss of life.
- ₹69,500 provided in cases of livestock loss.
- Bamboo poles, tarpaulins and other materials being supplied to families whose homes were completely destroyed.
- Drinking-water sources being chlorinated and bleaching powder sprayed to reduce the risk of waterborne and infectious diseases.
- Bastar Commissioner Doman Singh and Collector Akash Chhikara are monitoring relief and rehabilitation operations.
Raipur: The Bastar administration has transferred more than ₹9.39 crore in relief assistance directly into the bank accounts of families affected by the recent floods, while rehabilitation and public-health measures are being carried out across the affected areas on Wednesday October, 7 2026 .
The severe flooding followed torrential rainfall associated with Cyclone ‘Arnab’ and the release of water from the Khatiguda and Muran dams in neighbouring Odisha.
According to figures released by the district administration, a total of ₹9,39,29,898 has so far been disbursed to provide immediate financial support to people who suffered losses in the disaster.
Housing damage constitutes the largest component of the relief package, with ₹8,78,15,398 distributed as compensation for damaged homes.
Of this, ₹8,02,23,391 has been provided for houses that were completely damaged, while another ₹75,92,007 has been paid for partially damaged houses.
Families that lost utensils and other household belongings have received ₹52.45 lakh in assistance.
Compensation of ₹8 lakh has been paid to dependants in cases involving loss of life, while ₹69,500 has been disbursed towards livestock losses.
Remaining Housing Claims to Be Cleared on Priority
The administration said revenue officials and field-level personnel had been working to process cases quickly so that financial assistance could reach affected families without unnecessary delay.
Bastar Collector Akash Chhikara has directed officials to clear all remaining cases involving complete and partial damage to houses on priority.
The objective, according to the administration, is to ensure that no eligible flood-affected family is deprived of government assistance because its claim remains pending.
Temporary Shelter for Families Who Lost Homes
Relief operations are extending beyond monetary compensation.
Families whose houses were completely destroyed are being provided essential materials such as bamboo, poles and tarpaulins to create immediate temporary shelter while longer-term rehabilitation continues.
The administration has said rehabilitation work is being undertaken on priority in areas that suffered extensive damage.
Measures Against Waterborne Diseases Intensified
Public health has emerged as another major concern following the receding of floodwaters.
Waterlogging and contamination after floods can increase the risk of infectious and waterborne diseases. The Health Department and Public Health Engineering Department are therefore jointly carrying out chlorination of drinking-water sources in the affected areas.
Bleaching powder is also being sprayed extensively in villages as part of sanitation and disease-prevention measures.
Bastar Divisional Commissioner Doman Singh and Collector Akash Chhikara are continuing inspections of flood-affected areas and relief facilities to review conditions on the ground and monitor the progress of rehabilitation measures.
The administration has said relief operations will continue until assistance reaches the affected families requiring support.
