The Odisha government has taken significant precautionary steps in anticipation of the cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’, which is expected to reach the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday. As part of these measures, fishing in the sea has been banned, and tourist access to hills, waterfalls, and dams in six districts has been prohibited, according to officials on Monday.
Authorities have mobilized resources in the vulnerable southern districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned eight ministers to oversee pre-cyclone preparations across various locations.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), as well as local police and fire services, have been strategically positioned in areas at risk, officials confirmed.
According to a forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm, moving westward at a speed of 15 kmph. It is expected to continue moving west-northwest and could become a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26, potentially reaching very severe status on October 27.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated, “Even though the storm is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast, the Odisha government is taking no chances and is fully prepared for any situation that may arise.” Post-landfall, the storm is anticipated to affect certain regions within Odisha.
The state is making extensive preparations, and the minister reassured that there is no need for public panic. He noted that fishing activities have been entirely suspended and that tourist entrance to scenic spots in the six affected districts has also been restricted.
Due to the expected adverse weather, educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in these districts, will be closed on October 28 and 29. Additionally, the government has canceled the leave of its employees in these areas and has established control rooms for coordinating relief and rescue efforts.
The agriculture department has advised farmers to harvest and securely store crops that are nearing maturity (80-85 percent). Furthermore, dedicated helpline numbers have been set up for agricultural assistance, according to the minister.
