As a developing cyclonic system intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, the Khordha district administration has taken swift action to ensure full administrative readiness.
In an emergency order issued on October 25, 2026 (Order No. 20646/Emer.), Collector and District Magistrate (also Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority) cancelled leaves of all government officials and employees in the district from October 26 to October 31.
The order, citing “Administrative Exigencies and the developing cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal,” directs that all officials remain at their respective headquarters and not leave without express permission from the competent authority. Leaves already availed have been cancelled, and employees currently on leave or headquarters leave have been instructed to rejoin duty forthwith. The directive takes immediate effect.
This move aligns with broader state-level preparedness for the system, expected to intensify into Cyclone Arnab (named by Bangladesh) by the morning of October 26 and approach the coast around October 28. While latest forecasts indicate the storm is more likely to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha—particularly southern and coastal districts—faces the risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall and squally winds. Districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are under heightened alert, with schools and Anganwadi centres ordered closed on October 28-29 in the most vulnerable areas.
Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj has already reviewed preparedness, including activation of 24-hour control rooms, readiness of 51 cyclone shelters and 379 additional shelters, deployment of motorised boats, and stockpiling of food and medical supplies. Similar leave cancellations have been ordered in other districts such as Ganjam and Puri, while the state government has cancelled leaves of Collectors and key officials to maintain full strength.
The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has emphasised a “zero casualty” goal, with ODRAF, NDRF, and fire service teams on standby. Residents are advised to follow official IMD updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay prepared for possible heavy rains starting October 26.
The order has been forwarded to ADMs, BDOs, Tahasildars, and urban local body officers for immediate compliance, underscoring the administration’s push for coordinated disaster response.
