Bhubaneswar: The state government Sunday intensified preparedness for Cyclone Arnab across five vulnerable southern districts, deploying 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a possible landfall between southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh October 28.
Leave for district-level officers and staff has been cancelled, with all officials directed to remain at their respective headquarters. The IMD has indicated a higher probability of landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in several parts of Odisha.
Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been identified as the most vulnerable districts, though other coastal areas may also experience rainfall. As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the five districts will remain closed October 28 and 29, according to the state government.
The government has also deployed five IAS officers to oversee cyclone preparedness and post-storm relief, rehabilitation and restoration work. K Sudarshan Chakravarthy has been assigned Rayagada, Poma Tudu Koraput, Bijay Kumar Dash Gajapati, Yeddula Vijay Malkangiri and Maheswar Swain to Nabarangpur.
The officers have been directed to proceed to their respective districts immediately and assist local administrations in preparedness and relief operations. High alerts have been issued in five vulnerable southern districts, with 24 ODRAF and six NDRF teams deployed for emergency response.
Ganjam has nine ODRAF and two NDRF teams, Gajapati six ODRAF and one NDRF team, while Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have three ODRAF and one NDRF team each. Round-the-clock control rooms have been activated at district, block, tehsil and urban local body levels, with dedicated helplines and toll-free services available to assist residents.
The deployment aims to ensure a swift response to emergencies, including evacuation, rescue and other disaster-management operations. Authorities are identifying residents of kutcha houses, thatched huts and low-lying areas for relocation to safer places, including cyclone shelters.
Expectant mothers nearing delivery are being shifted to nearby health centres and hospitals, while special arrangements are being made for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
The state government is pursuing its ‘Zero Casualty’ target, with cyclone shelters in vulnerable areas readied and equipped with essential amenities.
Fishing activities at sea have been prohibited, while tourist entry to hills, waterfalls, dams and other scenic destinations across the five vulnerable districts has also been banned as a precautionary measure.