Bhubaneswar: Odisha has achieved the zero-casualty target in its response to cyclone ‘Arnab’, with more than 43,000 people evacuated to safer locations as 17 districts were affected by the weather system.

This was revealed by the state government after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the state's preparedness, emergency response and the impact of the cyclone.

According to the state government, extensive precautionary measures were undertaken based on forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and reports from the meteorological centre.

Advance preparations, timely evacuation and coordinated emergency operations helped the administration prevent loss of life.

8 dists face relatively greater impacts 

Of the 17 affected districts, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi experienced relatively greater impacts.

People living in coastal areas and other vulnerable locations were shifted to safer places as a precautionary measure.

As part of the emergency response, 19,143 boats and 313 response teams comprising personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services were deployed.

The state had also kept 2,037 shelters ready to accommodate people affected by the cyclone.

A total of 43,827 people were safely evacuated to 634 of these shelters, the government said.

931 babies delivered safely

The administration also prioritised maternal and child healthcare during the cyclone. As many as 2,245 pregnant women were moved to healthcare facilities in advance to ensure access to medical assistance during the emergency. During this period, 931 babies were safely delivered, according to the information shared by the government.

To strengthen coordination and monitor the evolving situation, seven senior IAS officers were assigned responsibilities for overseeing rescue, relief and other emergency operations at the district level. Eight ministers, including the two Deputy Chief Ministers, were also stationed in different districts to supervise the response and review the ground situation.

The state government said the coordinated efforts of officials, emergency response teams and local administrations played a crucial role in managing the cyclone's impact and achieving the zero-casualty target.

The administration is continuing to monitor the post-cyclone situation, with a focus on relief distribution, assessment of damage and restoration of normal life in affected areas, said the government.