Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Odisha Government has intensified its cyclone preparedness measures following an India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast indicating a possible landfall between South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh around October 28.

With the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds across southern Odisha, authorities have placed Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts on high alert. As a precautionary measure, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these five districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29.

30 Disaster Response Teams Mobilised

Reinforcing its commitment to the ‘Zero Casualty’ mission, the State Government has activated an extensive emergency response mechanism. Leave for district-level officers and staff has been cancelled, while 24-hour control rooms have been established at district, block and tehsil levels to coordinate relief and rescue operations.

A total of 30 specialised disaster response teams, including 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, have been deployed across the five vulnerable districts.

The district-wise deployment is as follows:

• Ganjam: 9 ODRAF and 2 NDRF teams
• Gajapati: 6 ODRAF and 1 NDRF team
• Rayagada: 3 ODRAF and 1 NDRF team
• Koraput: 3 ODRAF and 1 NDRF team
• Malkangiri: 3 ODRAF and 1 NDRF team

Emergency control rooms are operational round the clock, with dedicated helplines to facilitate public assistance and ensure a swift response to any developing situation.

Evacuation Plans and Shelter Arrangements Intensified

District administrations have begun identifying vulnerable households, particularly those living in kutcha houses, thatched structures and low-lying areas. Residents in high-risk locations are being shifted to designated cyclone shelters equipped with essential facilities.

Special attention is being given to pregnant women nearing their delivery dates, who are being relocated to nearby healthcare facilities. Arrangements are also being made to protect senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

Fishing, Tourism Activities Restricted

As part of precautionary measures, fishing activities in the sea have been prohibited. Tourist visits to hills, waterfalls, dams and other scenic locations in the five alert districts have also been restricted to minimise the risk to life.

Farmers have been advised to harvest mature crops, including paddy, maize and ragi, wherever feasible, and store the produce in safe locations to minimise potential losses.

Mobile Veterinary Units have been deployed to assist with livestock protection and fodder distribution.

Hospitals and Essential Services on Standby

Health facilities have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, including snake antivenom, as well as chlorine tablets. Measures are also underway to ensure safe drinking water through chlorination and to keep electricity and telecommunications restoration equipment ready for emergency deployment.

The administration is monitoring the evolving weather situation and coordinating preparedness activities across the vulnerable districts.

Citizens Urged to Follow Official Advisories

The Odisha Government has appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid spreading or believing unverified information and follow instructions issued by district administrations and other authorised agencies.

With emergency teams deployed and precautionary measures underway, the State is working to minimise the impact of the anticipated cyclone and protect lives and property.

Citizens are advised to stay updated through official IMD bulletins and government advisories as the weather system develops.