Bhubaneswar: Odisha has stepped up its cyclone preparedness, deploying disaster response teams, readying evacuation shelters and ordering the closure of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five southern districts on October 28 and 29 as the state braces for heavy rain and strong winds.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the measures after reviewing the state’s preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan on Saturday. He expressed confidence that the government would achieve zero casualties during the impending cyclone, crediting its experience in managing previous cyclones and floods.
“With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, we will achieve zero casualty this time as well,” Majhi said, stressing that all departments had been directed to work in coordination to deal with the situation.
According to the Meteorological Department’s forecast cited by the Chief Minister, the cyclone is expected to make landfall around October 28 between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha, with a greater likelihood of crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast. Its impact could bring heavy rainfall and winds reaching 80–90 kmph in parts of Odisha, particularly in the southern districts.
Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are likely to be among the worst-affected districts. Other coastal districts may also experience rainfall. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the five districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. In other districts, the respective Collectors will decide on the closure of educational institutions based on the evolving situation.
Disaster response teams deployed
The state government has put its disaster response machinery on alert, with around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed. Another 225 fire service teams are on high alert to assist with rescue and emergency operations.
Cyclone and flood shelters have been prepared to accommodate people from vulnerable areas. The Chief Minister directed officials to give special attention to shifting patients and pregnant women to health facilities in advance wherever necessary.
Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. The Health Department has also been instructed to ensure adequate stocks of anti-snake venom injections, medicines and medical kits at health centres in potentially affected areas.
All engineering departments have been asked to remain ready for immediate restoration work in the event of damage to infrastructure. Special arrangements have been made to remove fallen trees quickly from roads to minimise disruptions and maintain access for emergency services.
Farmers advised to protect harvested crops
With the harvesting season approaching, Majhi asked officials to alert farmers and create awareness about harvesting and safely storing crops wherever feasible. The advisory aims to minimise possible crop losses due to heavy rain and strong winds.
The Chief Minister called for close coordination among all departments under a “Whole of Government Approach” to ensure a swift and effective response. He said Odisha’s experience in handling previous cyclones, including Dana and Montha, as well as flood situations, would help the state manage the impending weather event.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Director General of Fire Services, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Health Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and other senior officials attended the review meeting.
The state government has emphasised preparedness, timely evacuation and coordination among departments, with public safety and the prevention of casualties remaining its top priorities.
