States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 10:01PM


Odisha on high alert as Cyclone ‘Arnab’ approaches; 24-hour control room activated

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (UNI) The Odisha Government has stepped up its preparedness to deal with the possible impact of cyclone ‘Arnab’, placing key departments, Fire Services personnel and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) on high alert.
A series of precautionary measures have been initiated to minimise the risk to human life, protect property and ensure a swift response to any emergency.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) sources, a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression and subsequently a deep depression by October 25. The system is then expected to develop into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on the morning of October 26.
The system is forecast to continue moving west-northwestwards and may cross the coast of north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining southern Odisha on October 28.
In view of the potential threat, the state government has directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure public safety, facilitate timely evacuation and expedite restoration and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the weather event.
Official sources said a 24-hour control room has been made operational on the third floor of the State Armed Police (SAP) Building in Bhubaneswar, which houses the ODRAF headquarters. All ODRAF units have been instructed to remain prepared for deployment at short notice.
Special emphasis has been placed on coordination between district police and ODRAF teams to ensure timely evacuation, effective rescue operations and prompt assistance to people in vulnerable areas.
The administration has also prioritised the relocation of people living in kutcha houses and other vulnerable structures to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
To minimise agricultural losses caused by the anticipated cyclone and heavy rainfall, the authorities have issued necessary advisories to farmers.
Farmers have been advised to harvest paddy crops that have reached 80–85 per cent maturity and store the harvested produce in safe places to prevent damage from rain and strong winds.
The government is also taking steps to ensure that essential services remain functional and that vulnerable communities receive timely warnings and assistance.
Power distribution companies have been directed to activate their disaster management plans and keep field-level personnel ready to respond to emergencies.
Arrangements are being made to minimise disruptions to electricity supply, ensure speedy restoration of power and safeguard public safety. Communication and transportation resources have also been kept ready for emergency deployment.
Officials have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure that essential services can be restored promptly in areas affected by the cyclone.
As a precautionary measure, all fishermen operating at sea have been directed to return to the coast by October 24 and refrain from venturing into the deep sea.
The authorities have also taken steps to ensure the availability of essential medicines at veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and animal health centres to address the needs of livestock and other animals during the emergency.
A 24-hour control room has been activated to monitor the evolving cyclone situation and the possibility of flooding. Departmental officials have been instructed not to leave their respective headquarters without prior permission.
The concerned departments have put their emergency response mechanisms in place to deal with possible damage to roads, embankments and other infrastructure.
Round-the-clock cyclone and flood control rooms are functioning at the offices of Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers. Nodal officers have been designated to coordinate restoration operations and ensure a quick response to disruptions.
Adequate manpower, machinery and materials have been kept ready for road repairs, removal of fallen trees and debris, repair of damaged embankment sections and restoration of connectivity in affected areas.
These arrangements are intended to ensure that transport links and essential services can be restored as quickly as possible after the weather system passes.
The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring reservoir levels and the condition of river embankments in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
Preventive measures are being taken to protect vulnerable embankments, regulate the discharge of excess water wherever necessary and minimise the risk of flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas.
Officials are maintaining vigilance over water levels and infrastructure conditions to facilitate timely intervention if the situation deteriorates.
Fire Services personnel have also been placed on alert to respond to emergencies arising from the possible cyclone.
Rescue equipment, inflatable boats and other essential materials have been kept ready to facilitate prompt rescue operations and provide assistance to people in affected areas.
With multiple departments mobilised, the Odisha Government is focusing on preparedness, inter-agency coordination, public safety and rapid restoration of essential services as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal develops.
UNI DP
Tags: #Odisha on high alert as Cyclone ‘Arnab’ approaches; 24-hour control room activated
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