As a powerful weather system over the Bay of Bengal intensifies toward becoming Cyclone Arnab, Odisha has shifted into full operational mode.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed two Deputy Chief Ministers and six senior Ministers to take personal charge of eight potentially worst-hit districts, staying on the ground from October 27 to 29 to supervise preparations, rescue, and relief.
The India Meteorological Department expects the system to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the north Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around the forenoon of October 28, with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph. While landfall is more likely in Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha faces heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, gusty winds (often 80–90 kmph), possible flooding, and landslide risks in hilly terrain. Red alerts cover key southern districts, and schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are closed on October 28 and 29.
According to a communication from the Chief Minister’s Office, the district assignments are:
- Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo — Koraput
- Deputy CM Pravati Parida — Rayagada
- Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water & Rural Development Minister Rabi Naik — Kandhamal
- Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena — Ganjam
- Supply Minister Krushna Chandra Patra — Nabarangpur
- School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond — Malkangiri
- Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling — Kalahandi
- Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj — Gajapati
These leaders will remain in the districts through October 29, working directly with district administrations, IAS officers, ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services teams. Their focus is immediate and practical: moving people from low-lying and vulnerable areas to safe shelters, arranging food and medical support, protecting power and communication networks, and managing flood risks. The Chief Minister has made public safety and zero loss of life the non-negotiable priority.
The move fits Odisha’s well-practised cyclone response model. Hundreds of ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services teams are already on high alert, cyclone and flood shelters have been readied, and officials have cancelled leave for key personnel. With the system expected to bring significant rainfall from October 27 onward—especially in the south—the presence of senior political leaders on the ground is intended to ensure faster coordination and quicker decision-making if conditions worsen.
For residents in the assigned districts, the message from the government is clear: follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with local authorities on any evacuation orders. The next 72 hours will test the state’s readiness, but the deployment of top leaders signals an intent to stay one step ahead of the storm.
