Over 2.57 lakh animals affected by Cyclone Arnab triggered floods in Odisha

Over 2.57 lakh animals were affected by floods driven by Cyclone Arnab in Odisha, causing livestock deaths and impacting thousands of owners, official data showed. Official figures stated that 2,57,376 animals suffered losses, including 1,18,479 cattle and buffaloes, 1,38,897 goats and sheep, alongside 1,15,649 poultry birds. The reported fatalities covered 126 cattle and buffaloes, 406 goats and sheep, and 97,003 poultry birds, affecting 13,320 livestock owners. The state government responded by deploying rescue, relief, and veterinary operations, moving 1,918 animals to shelters across 31 locations. Officials reported that 72 Rapid Response Teams were deployed, 116 animal health camps were held, and 19,582 animals received post-cyclone vaccination. Authorities supplied cattle feed, green fodder, and rice bran, and set up control rooms at block, subdivision, and district levels. Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik directed officials to ensure speedy compensation disbursement to affected livestock owners. In Ganjam district, 23 Rapid Response Teams were deployed and 55 animal health camps were organized to deliver emergency veterinary services.