Odisha Steps Up Cyclone Arnab Preparations; ₹19 Crore Released for Eight Districts

Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Arnab posing a threat to parts of Odisha, the state government has stepped up emergency preparations in eight districts, releasing ₹19 crore in special assistance to support response measures. The administration is prioritising the safety of vulnerable residents, readiness of shelters and availability of essential services under its ‘Zero Casualty’ policy.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the preparedness arrangements at the State Emergency Control Room in Rajiv Bhawan on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and senior officials.

The districts identified for focused preparedness are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi, where heavy rainfall and other adverse weather conditions are anticipated.

Officials have identified 48,010 vulnerable people across these districts, while 466 shelters have been prepared to accommodate those who may need to be relocated.

Nabarangpur has the highest number of identified vulnerable people at 11,270, followed by Gajapati with 11,000 and Malkangiri with 9,850. Ganjam has identified 6,500 people, Koraput 5,000, Kalahandi 2,415, Nuapada 1,675 and Rayagada 300.

Response teams deployed across districts

To strengthen emergency response, ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Service teams have been positioned in the vulnerable districts. Ganjam has been assigned nine ODRAF teams, two NDRF teams and 24 Fire Service teams. Gajapati has six ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and eight Fire Service teams, while Rayagada has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 11 Fire Service teams.

Koraput has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 14 Fire Service teams. Malkangiri has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and nine Fire Service teams, while Nabarangpur has three ODRAF teams and 12 Fire Service teams. Fire Service teams have also been deployed in Nuapada and Kalahandi.

Senior IAS officers have been assigned to the more vulnerable districts to oversee preparations. Field-level arrangements have been reviewed with Collectors and officials of the concerned departments.

Essential services placed on alert

District administrations have been directed to ensure that cyclone shelters have the necessary facilities and are ready to receive people at short notice. Collectors and key officials have been asked to remain at their headquarters, with their leave cancelled. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been activated to handle emergency calls and coordinate relief efforts.

Officials have been instructed to stock essential supplies in advance, issue timely alerts and continuously track India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletins. Nodal officers have been assigned to flood-prone areas, and a WhatsApp group has been created to improve communication between district officials and field-level teams.

Anganwadi centres will remain closed as a precaution. The Health Department has been asked to keep medical relief centres and mobile health teams ready, ensure adequate stocks of emergency medicines and arrange power backup. Special attention will be given to emergency obstetric services for pregnant women and care for newborns. Authorities will also arrange cattle feed distribution in affected areas.

The state government has appealed to residents to follow official advisories, cooperate with local administrations and refrain from spreading or believing rumours. It has reiterated that all preparedness and response measures are aimed at minimising the impact of the cyclone and preventing loss of life.