Bhubaneswar: In view of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of cyclone ‘Arnab’, the Odisha government has cancelled the leave of all district Collectors, District Magistrates and other officials holding key responsibilities to strengthen administrative preparedness.

The officials have been directed to return to their respective headquarters at the earliest to ensure the administration remains prepared to respond to any cyclone-related emergency.

The directive was issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department through a letter dated October 24, 2026.

The state government has stressed the need to keep the administrative machinery on alert to ensure a prompt and coordinated response to any emergency arising from the possible cyclone.

According to the IMD, a well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday, a deep depression on October 25 and a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26.

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast around the morning of October 28. It is likely to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to southern Odisha and parts of the coastal region.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are among the districts expected to be significantly affected by the weather system.

As a precautionary measure, the state government has directed schools and Anganwadi centres in the affected districts remain closed on October 28 and 29. The respective District Collectors may extend the closure if the situation warrants.

Other coastal districts of Odisha are also likely to receive rainfall under the influence of the system.