The Odisha government has placed the administration on high alert as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab ’, active over the Bay of Bengal, moves closer to the east coast. Following landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, Malkangiri district is expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s impact in Odisha.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari provided detailed insights into the state’s preparedness, reassuring citizens that the government is fully equipped to handle any emergency with a strict “Zero Casualty” objective.
Key Highlights of Government Preparedness
-
Financial Assistance: The state government has sanctioned Rs 19 crore across 8 vulnerable districts to manage disaster relief and emergency response.
-
Shelters Ready: A total of 466 cyclone shelters have been fully prepared with stock of food, safe drinking water, medicines, and essential supplies.
-
Mass Evacuation: Around 48,000 residents from low-lying and high-risk zones are being shifted to safer locations.
-
Emergency Deployment: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Services teams have been strategically stationed across key southern districts.
Affected Districts & IMD Forecast
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Arnab is predicted to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28. Following the landfall, the system will pass over Southern Odisha.
While Malkangiri will be the most affected, neighbouring districts including Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Gajapati are also expected to experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Drizzle and light rain have already commenced across coastal and interior Odisha, including the capital city, Bhubaneswar. Drizzle was reported in Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Rayagada.
Precautionary Measures & Advisory
In response to the approaching storm, local authorities have declared holidays for schools and Anganwadi centres across affected southern districts.
Minister Suresh Pujari urged citizens to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to official instructions, and avoid spreading or believing rumours.
“The administration is keeping a continuous watch on the trajectory and intensity of Cyclone Arnab. All preparations are complete, and emergency teams are ready for immediate response,” the Minister assured.
