Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified cyclone preparedness measures across five vulnerable southern districts, deploying 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams ahead of the expected landfall of a cyclone on October 28.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is likely to make landfall between southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh, with a higher probability of crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast. Heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to affect several districts of Odisha.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been identified as the most vulnerable districts. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these five districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a precautionary measure.

The state government and district administrations have initiated comprehensive arrangements to deal with the potential impact of the cyclone and associated heavy rainfall.

24/7 control rooms, leave cancelled

Leave for district-level officers and staff has been cancelled, and officials have been directed to remain at their respective headquarters to ensure a coordinated response.

Round-the-clock control rooms have been activated at district, block, tehsil and urban local body levels. Dedicated helpline numbers and toll-free services have also been made available to assist residents during emergencies.

Authorities are identifying people living in kutcha houses, thatched huts and low-lying areas for relocation to safer locations and cyclone shelters. Expectant mothers nearing their delivery dates are being shifted in advance to nearby community health centres, primary health centres and hospitals.

Special arrangements are also being made to protect senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

30 response teams deployed across five districts

A high alert has been sounded in the five vulnerable districts, with ODRAF and NDRF teams positioned to respond to emergencies.

The deployment is as follows:

Ganjam: Nine ODRAF teams and two NDRF teams.

Gajapati: Six ODRAF teams and one NDRF team.

Rayagada: Three ODRAF teams and one NDRF team.

Koraput: Three ODRAF teams and one NDRF team.

Malkangiri: Three ODRAF teams and one NDRF team.

The government has reiterated its zero-casualty objective, with cyclone shelters in vulnerable areas being equipped with essential amenities.

Fishing banned, tourist destinations closed

Fishing activities in the sea have been completely prohibited as a precautionary measure. Tourist access to hills, waterfalls, dams and scenic destinations across the five districts has also been banned.

The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest and safely store crops, including paddy, maize and ragi, that have reached 80-85% maturity. Dedicated agricultural helplines have been established to provide assistance to farmers.

Health, power and livestock protection measures

Health authorities have been directed to ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines, including snake antivenom and chlorine tablets. Arrangements have also been made for water chlorination to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

Equipment required for restoring electricity and telecommunications services has been positioned in advance to facilitate quick restoration in the event of disruptions.

Measures have also been put in place to protect livestock. These include relocating animals to safer places, providing veterinary treatment through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), and distributing cattle feed and fodder in vulnerable areas.

Citizens urged to follow official advisories

Nodal officers have been assigned responsibility for vulnerable sectors and connected through dedicated WhatsApp groups to facilitate real-time information sharing and coordination.

The government has urged people not to pay heed to rumours and to follow official advisories issued by the authorities. Residents in vulnerable areas have been asked to cooperate with local administrations and take necessary precautions as the cyclone approaches.