Cyclone Arnab Alert: Ganjam Administration Cancels Officials’ Leave, Prepares for Heavy Rain

The Ganjam district administration has stepped up preparedness measures in view of the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab. All officials’ leave has been cancelled until October 29, and those currently on leave have been directed to report to their respective headquarters by Sunday morning.

Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan said the district administration was taking precautionary measures to deal with possible flooding, a cyclone and heavy rainfall.

A district-level preparedness meeting was held on Saturday morning under the Collector’s chairmanship. Senior officials, Block Development Officers (BDOs), tehsildars and departmental officers attended the meeting to review the arrangements.

According to the district administration, rainfall may begin on the evening of October 26 and continue in several parts of the district until October 29. Officials have been instructed not to leave their headquarters without prior permission during this period.

110 Permanent Shelters and Over 1,000 Temporary Shelters Ready

The administration has made arrangements to address possible waterlogging and flooding in vulnerable areas.

Water levels in dams and drainage arrangements will be monitored continuously to prevent waterlogging. Following flooding in Berhampur and several other areas during heavy rainfall last month, officials have been directed to identify vulnerable locations and clear drains and water outlets to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater.

The district has prepared 110 permanent cyclone and flood shelters along with more than 1,000 temporary shelters. These facilities can accommodate approximately 1.5 lakh people at a time.

Officials have been instructed to ensure the availability of food, drinking water, medical services, electricity and communication facilities at all designated shelters.

Nine ODRAF and Two NDRF Teams Kept Ready

The district administration has kept nine Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams ready for rescue and relief operations.

A 24-hour control room has also become operational from Saturday to coordinate emergency response and monitor the evolving weather situation.

These measures are aimed at ensuring a swift response in the event of heavy rainfall, flooding or other cyclone-related emergencies.

Fishermen Advised Not to Venture Into the Sea

As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea until October 30.

The administration has also directed shopkeepers to display price lists to prevent artificial shortages and black marketing of essential commodities during the emergency period.

In addition, the district administration has warned of prompt action against the circulation of misleading AI-generated images and fake news that could create panic or spread misinformation among the public.

Senior Officials Attend Preparedness Meeting

The preparedness meeting was attended by Ganjam Superintendent of Police Harish BC, Berhampur SP Abhinav Sonkar, Additional District Magistrates Sachidananda Nayak, Debadatta Panda and Sunil Kumar Kerketa, Berhampur Sub-Collector Abinash Kumar and Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Umashankar Behera, among other officials.

The district administration has urged residents to remain alert, follow official advisories and cooperate with authorities as preparations continue to address the possible impact of the developing weather system.