Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday reviewed the state’s preparedness to tackle the possible cyclone ‘Arnab’, directing officials to prioritise public safety, evacuation and emergency response in districts likely to be affected by the weather system.

According to the India Meteorological Department (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. The Chief Minister said the system could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to southern Odisha and parts of the coastal region.

Five districts identified as areas of major concern

The districts expected to face a greater impact include Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, according to the briefing.

The state government has directed that schools and Anganwadi centres in the affected districts remain closed on October 28 and 29. District Collectors may extend the closure if the situation warrants it.

Other coastal districts are also likely to receive rainfall. District Collectors will decide on closing schools and colleges based on evolving  situation.

Majhi said the government’s primary objective was to ensure zero casualties and instructed officials to take all necessary precautionary measures ahead of the storm.

Evacuation and rescue teams put on alert

The Chief Minister directed officials to shift people from vulnerable areas to safer locations wherever necessary. Special attention is to be given to patients, senior citizens and pregnant women during evacuation and relocation.

Teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services have begun moving towards areas likely to be affected to ensure a prompt response. Approximately 60 ODRAF teams and 17 NDRF teams have been deployed. 225 fire service teams are on high alert.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, while those already at sea have been instructed to return to shore.

Focus on essential services and medical supplies

The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure adequate stocks of anti-snake venom injections at health facilities, anticipating the possibility of snakebite cases during flooding and waterlogging.

Authorities have been instructed to promptly restore electricity and road connectivity if power lines are disrupted, trees fall or roads become blocked due to strong winds and heavy rain.

The government said departments concerned were being mobilised to respond to emergencies and restore essential services as quickly as possible.

The administration is continuing preparations as the weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal. Officials are expected to take further steps based on subsequent IMD forecasts and district-level assessments.