Authorities mobilise disaster response teams, prepare relief centres and cancel eight trains as heavy rainfall threatens southern Odisha, prompting school closures in five districts on October 28–29
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha has stepped up its preparedness as Cyclone Arnab intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting landfall along the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.
The cyclone is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27, packing sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph at landfall. Southern Odisha is expected to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding.
Odisha Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said the state was “fully prepared”, with continuous inter-departmental coordination and consultations with IMD officials. He said 20 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams had begun ground-level preparations, with 60 teams planned for deployment in three phases.
The government has mobilised 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 Fire and Emergency Services teams, while police personnel have been deployed in vulnerable districts. Central Range IGP Satyajit Nayak said four ODRAF teams each had been positioned in Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khordha. District control rooms are operating round the clock, and leave for disaster management personnel has been cancelled.
The government has urged residents to follow advisories issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), avoid venturing into the sea and move to designated shelters when instructed.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said, “Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall near Visakhapatnam on October 28, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Five senior officers and state ministers have been deployed to oversee preparations in vulnerable districts. Relief centres, cooked food, medicines and healthcare facilities are ready. People should follow SRC advisories, protect vulnerable family members and move to shelters if required. Our priority is zero casualties.”
Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will remain closed on October 28 and 29. District Collectors will decide on closures elsewhere based on local conditions.
Railway operations are also facing precautionary disruptions, with eight trains cancelled and two diverted. Passengers have been advised to check updated schedules before travelling.
Officials are also preparing for the restoration of roads, electricity and drinking water supplies after the cyclone.