Odisha Steps Up Cyclone Arnab Preparedness, Rs 19 Crore Released for Eight Districts

The Odisha government has intensified its preparedness to tackle the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab, with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chairing a high-level review meeting with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and senior officials at the State Emergency Control Room at Rajiv Bhavan on Tuesday.

The meeting reviewed preparedness measures across vulnerable districts, including evacuation arrangements, cyclone shelter management, deployment of emergency response teams, healthcare services and the availability of essential supplies.

The state government has released Rs 19 crore in assistance for eight districts expected to be particularly affected by the cyclone and associated heavy rainfall. The administration has adopted a zero-casualty approach to minimise the risk to human life.

Addressing the meeting, Pujari said the administration was fully prepared to tackle the situation and urged people to remain calm, follow official advisories and cooperate with the authorities.

Eight Districts Under Special Surveillance

The state government is closely monitoring Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts in view of the possibility of heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.

District administrations have been directed to ensure that all cyclone shelters are ready to accommodate vulnerable residents. Essential supplies are being stocked in advance, while officials are maintaining continuous surveillance of weather updates and India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletins.

Senior IAS officers have been deployed to key districts to oversee preparedness measures and coordinate with district collectors and concerned departments.

466 Shelters Ready for 48,010 Vulnerable People

According to official information presented at the meeting, authorities have identified 48,010 people from vulnerable areas across the eight districts for possible evacuation.

A total of 466 shelters have been kept ready to accommodate people if the situation requires relocation.

The district-wise arrangements are as follows:

• Nabarangpur: 11,270 people identified; 134 shelters prepared.
• Gajapati: 11,000 people identified; 175 shelters prepared.
• Malkangiri: 9,850 people identified; 35 shelters prepared.
• Ganjam: 6,500 people identified; 37 shelters prepared.
• Koraput: 5,000 people identified; 47 shelters prepared.
• Kalahandi: 2,415 people identified; 14 shelters prepared.
• Nuapada: 1,675 people identified; 17 shelters prepared.
• Rayagada: 300 people identified; seven shelters prepared.

District administrations have been instructed to ensure that the shelters are properly equipped and that necessary arrangements are in place to protect people during the cyclone.

ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services Deployed

Emergency response teams have been deployed across the vulnerable districts to respond to possible flooding, waterlogging, road blockages and other cyclone-related emergencies.

The deployment details shared at the meeting include:

• Ganjam: Nine ODRAF units, two NDRF teams and 24 fire service teams.
• Gajapati: Six ODRAF units, one NDRF team and eight fire service teams.
• Rayagada: Three ODRAF units, one NDRF team and 11 fire service teams.
• Koraput: Three ODRAF units, one NDRF team and 14 fire service teams.
• Malkangiri: Three ODRAF units, one NDRF team and nine fire service teams.
• Nabarangpur: Three ODRAF units and 12 fire service teams.

Fire service teams have also been deployed in Nuapada and Kalahandi districts.

The deployment is intended to ensure a swift response to emergencies and strengthen rescue and relief operations wherever necessary.

Holidays Cancelled, Control Rooms to Operate Round the Clock

The government has cancelled the leave of district collectors and other key officials in the affected districts, directing them to remain at their headquarters to oversee emergency preparedness and response.

District-level control rooms will operate 24 hours a day to receive emergency calls and coordinate assistance.

Officials have also been instructed to maintain continuous communication with field-level teams, monitor vulnerable areas and ensure the timely dissemination of weather warnings and safety advisories.

Anganwadi centres in the concerned areas will remain closed in view of the prevailing situation.

Special Arrangements for Healthcare and Pregnant Women

The Health Department has been directed to ensure adequate medical preparedness in vulnerable areas, with particular attention to pregnant women, newborn babies and other people requiring urgent medical assistance.

Medical relief centres and mobile health teams are being kept ready. Hospitals have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of emergency medicines, uninterrupted power backup and facilities for emergency deliveries.

These arrangements are aimed at ensuring that essential healthcare services continue even if normal transport and communication are disrupted by adverse weather conditions.

The administration will also arrange the distribution of animal feed in affected areas to protect livestock during the cyclone.

Field-Level Coordination and Monitoring Strengthened

Senior officers have reviewed preparedness at the field level in coordination with district collectors and the departments concerned.

The government has emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of IMD bulletins, advance stocking of essential commodities, proper management of cyclone shelters and timely communication of emergency warnings.

Nodal officers have been assigned responsibilities for vulnerable and flood-prone areas. Dedicated WhatsApp groups have also been created to facilitate coordination and the rapid exchange of information among officials and field personnel.

Minister Appeals to People to Follow Official Advisories

The state government has urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow instructions issued by the district administration.

People have been advised not to believe rumours or circulate unverified information, particularly regarding the cyclone’s projected path and possible impact.

Minister Suresh Pujari reiterated that the government was committed to protecting lives and ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place to deal with any adverse situation.

With emergency teams deployed, shelters prepared and district administrations placed on high alert, the state government is strengthening its response mechanism to minimise the potential impact of Cyclone Arnab.