Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday released Rs 19 crore in relief funds to eight districts as it steps up preparations to deal with the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab and associated heavy rainfall.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Control Room in Rajiv Bhawan, attended by the Special Relief Commissioner and senior officials. The meeting reviewed preparedness measures, emergency response arrangements, and the readiness of district administrations.
The minister directed officials to ensure that all cyclone shelters are ready for use and that district administrations remain prepared to handle any adverse situation. The state government has adopted a “Zero Casualty” approach to prevent loss of life and has urged people to follow official advisories, cooperate with the administration and avoid rumours.
Eight districts – Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi – have been placed under special focus due to the threat of heavy rainfall and the possible impact of the cyclone.
As part of the emergency response, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire service teams have been deployed across 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. Nabarangpur has three ODRAF teams and 12 fire service teams. Fire service teams have also been deployed in Nuapada and Kalahandi.
The government has ordered schools and Anganwadi centres to remain closed in view of the situation. Leave has been cancelled for Collectors and key officials in the concerned districts, who have been directed to remain at their headquarters. District-level control rooms are functioning round the clock to provide emergency assistance to the public.
Senior IAS officers have been assigned to the more critical districts to strengthen coordination and monitoring. During the review meeting, the Minister assessed field-level preparedness with district Collectors and officials from various departments.
The administration has been directed to ensure round-the-clock readiness, maintain cyclone shelters properly, stock essential supplies in advance, issue emergency public alerts, and continuously monitor India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletins.
The Health Department has also been instructed to prepare medical relief centres, mobile health teams and hospitals to respond to emergencies involving pregnant women and newborns. Arrangements include adequate emergency medicines, uninterrupted power backup and emergency delivery services. The administration will also arrange fodder distribution for livestock in the affected areas.
According to the available data, 48,010 people from vulnerable areas across the eight districts have been identified for possible evacuation or shelter support. A total of 466 shelters have been kept ready to accommodate them.
Nabarangpur has identified 11,270 people and prepared 134 shelters. Gajapati has identified 11,000 people and arranged 175 shelters, while Malkangiri has identified 9,850 people and prepared 35 shelters.
Ganjam has identified 6,500 people and arranged 37 shelters. In Koraput, 5,000 people have been identified, with 47 shelters kept ready. Kalahandi has identified 2,415 people and prepared 14 shelters, while Nuapada has identified 1,675 people and arranged 17 shelters. Rayagada has identified 300 people, with seven shelters prepared.
To strengthen coordination in flood-prone areas, nodal officers have been assigned specific responsibilities. A dedicated WhatsApp group has also been created to maintain communication among the officials and personnel involved in emergency management.
The state government has urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and rely only on verified information as preparations continue to address the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab.
