Severe weather conditions induced by Cyclone Arnab have resulted in heavy rainfall across several districts in Odisha, prompting the evacuation of over 48,000 residents from at-risk locations. The cyclone is anticipated to bring substantial rain and strong winds, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red warnings for districts including Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabrangpur, and Malkangiri.
On Tuesday, the Odisha government instituted a large-scale evacuation, relocating people to safety in cyclone shelters and temporary accommodations. A total of 135 cyclone shelters and 1,600 temporary shelters have been established to assist those displaced from low-lying and vulnerable regions.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Arnab is progressing west-northwest at a speed of 20 kmph and is set to make landfall between the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam by Wednesday morning. As the cyclone approaches Yanam, it is expected to intensify into a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ with wind speeds reaching between 125-135 kmph, and gusts potentially hitting 150 kmph.
Officials have highlighted that Malkangiri district is likely to experience the most severe weather conditions due to its position in the cyclone’s path. Rajesh Patil, Odisha’s special relief commissioner, stated that the decision to evacuate nearly 48,000 individuals was made based on assessments by district collectors, particularly in districts such as Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nuapada.
Patil further noted that the state has allocated Rs 19 crore from the disaster response fund to enhance preparedness and facilitate the relocation process. Senior officials and ministers have been assigned to oversee ongoing relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.
To assist with the evacuation and manage the aftermath of the cyclone, 244 fire service teams, 60 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed, equipped to assist local administrations in clearing roads of debris.
The special relief commissioner reassured the public of the government’s readiness to handle potential challenges, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. In light of concerns regarding landslides from continuous rainfall, teams have been positioned in vulnerable districts, particularly Gajapati, to monitor and clear any obstacles that may arise.
Additionally, approximately 3,000 pregnant women nearing their delivery dates have been identified and relocated to nearby hospitals as a precautionary measure.
