Cyclone Arnab: The Odisha government has stepped up preparations in view of the potential threat of Cyclone Arnab. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near the northern coast of Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha on October 28. Several teams of disaster management agencies have been deployed in Odisha to deal with the situation. Nearly 60 teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), 17 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 225 fire brigade teams have been deployed.

School, College Closed

Intense Downpours Close Schools and Colleges… Puducherry and Odisha Brace for Cyclonic Storm Threat, Yellow Alert Activated. The Indian Meteorological Department has activated a Yellow Alert along the coastlines of Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha. The current depression over the Bay of Bengal could strengthen into an extremely severe cyclonic storm. Forecasters predict it will reach the Andhra coast around October 28, bringing winds that could reach speeds of 140 km/h.

As a precautionary measure, closure of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centers was ordered in five districts of south Odisha on October 28 and 29. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparations at Lok Seva Bhavan on Saturday. He said weather forecasts indicate that there is a high probability of the cyclone making landfall in Andhra Pradesh. The Prime Minister said, “With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, we will achieve the target of zero casualties this time too.” He cited Odisha’s experience in dealing with cyclones Dana and Montha, as well as several floods.

Administration on Alert Mode

According to authorities, wind speeds of between 80 and 90 kilometers per hour are expected during the cyclone. Heavy rain is also expected. Particularly affected are the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Rainfall is also expected in other coastal areas of Odisha. The Prime Minister directed the concerned departments to work in coordination and prepare cyclone and flood relief centers for evacuation. Officials have been asked to give priority to safe transportation of patients and pregnant women to health centres.

The administration has issued a cautionary notice to fishermen, advising them to stay away from the sea. Given the current cyclone threat, residents are being encouraged to heed the administration’s guidance and stay alert and prepared.