Cyclone Threat Looms Over Andhra Pradesh; Ganjam, Gajapati Step Up Preparations

A fresh cyclone threat is looming over the east coast even as Odisha continues to recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods. The approaching cyclone is gradually moving west-northwestwards and is likely to cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur.

According to the forecast, the system may make landfall between midnight on November 2 and 4 am on November 3. It is likely to cross the coast as a Severe Cyclonic Storm.

The impact of the cyclone is expected to be significant in Andhra Pradesh, where extremely heavy rainfall of 20 to 30 cm or more is likely in some areas. Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu may also experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Odisha is also likely to feel the impact of the weather system. Rainfall has already started in Ganjam and Gajapati districts of southern Odisha. On November 3 and 4, heavy rainfall is likely in Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Gajapati and other districts of southern Odisha.

With the state still dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, district administrations have intensified preparedness and evacuation measures to minimise the possible impact of the approaching storm.

Ganjam Administration Steps Up Disaster Preparedness

The Ganjam district administration has set a target of evacuating 2,94,752 people to safer locations. So far, 1,51,434 people have already been shifted to safe places.

A total of 110 permanent cyclone shelters and 1,029 temporary shelters have been kept ready across the district. These shelters have a combined capacity to accommodate around 3,41,700 people.

Medical teams have been deployed at evacuation centres to provide necessary healthcare services. Arrangements have also been made to ensure the availability of essential relief materials across all blocks and urban local bodies.

Additional requirements for relief supplies have been communicated, and the materials are expected to reach the districts by Monday evening.

Generator sets and water tankers have been arranged at evacuation centres to ensure uninterrupted basic facilities for displaced people. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted through loudspeaker announcements.

A nodal officer has been appointed for every village to coordinate emergency response operations and ensure the availability of essential services. Arrangements are also being made to maintain road connectivity and uninterrupted electricity supply at all critical locations.

Schools, Colleges to Remain Closed Till November 3

The administration has identified people living in unsafe and vulnerable buildings and initiated steps to shift them to safer locations.

Landslide-prone areas in four blocks of Ganjam district have also been identified, and precautionary measures are being taken accordingly.

As a precautionary measure, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam district will remain closed till November 3.

Gajapati Administration on High Alert

The Gajapati district administration has also intensified its preparedness to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone.

Around 512 alternative safe shelters have been identified, while six permanent cyclone and flood shelters have been kept ready. Together, these shelters have a total accommodation capacity of approximately 35,000 people.

Light to moderate rainfall is currently being reported in different parts of the district. The administration is closely monitoring the water level of the Vansadhara River.

Meanwhile, the water level of the Mahendratanaya River remains significantly below both the warning and danger marks.

Public awareness campaigns through loudspeakers have been initiated to inform residents about necessary precautions and safety measures. Medical teams have also been kept ready for deployment at shelters and different villages as required.

Unlike Ganjam, schools and Anganwadi centres in Gajapati have not yet been closed. The administration will take a decision based on the rainfall situation and weather forecasts for the next two days.

Restoration Work After Cyclone Arnab Nearly Complete

The Gajapati administration has also reported that major restoration works involving roads and bridges damaged by Cyclone Arnab have been largely completed.

Senior officers have been deployed in every block to oversee preparedness and emergency response operations. Dedicated teams have also been formed at block and Gram Panchayat levels to ensure effective coordination.

With the approaching cyclone posing a fresh threat to southern Odisha, both Ganjam and Gajapati administrations remain on high alert to protect lives and property.