302 RESPONSE TEAMS MOBILISED AS CYCLONE ARNAB PUTS ODISHA ON THE EDGE OF A WEATHER EMERGENCY
October 25, 2026
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has moved into heightened disaster-preparedness mode as Cyclone Arnab threatens the eastern coast, prompting the state government to mobilise hundreds of emergency response teams, prepare shelters and order precautionary closures of educational institutions in five southern districts ahead of the storm’s expected approach on October 28.
The state has placed approximately 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 fire service teams on standby. The mobilisation reflects the scale of preparations being undertaken to protect vulnerable communities, support evacuations and respond rapidly to flooding, wind damage and disruption of essential services.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state’s preparedness at Lok Seva Bhavan and called for coordinated action across government departments. He emphasised the objective of preventing casualties, drawing on Odisha’s experience in responding to previous cyclones and floods. Although current forecasts indicate a greater likelihood of landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, Odisha remains exposed to potentially dangerous rainfall and strong winds.
Authorities have ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres to remain closed on October 28 and 29 in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. District administrations elsewhere will determine additional precautions according to the evolving weather situation. Officials have also been instructed to prepare cyclone and flood shelters and move residents from vulnerable locations to safer places whenever necessary.
Particular attention is being directed towards people who may require additional assistance during an emergency, including elderly residents, patients and pregnant women. The chief minister has instructed officials to prioritise their safe transfer to healthcare facilities. Health centres in vulnerable areas have also been asked to maintain adequate stocks of medicines, medical supplies and anti-snake venom in anticipation of possible flooding and waterlogging.
The approaching system has prompted warnings to fishermen against venturing into the sea. Farmers have been advised to harvest mature crops and move harvested produce to safer locations wherever possible, reducing the risk of agricultural losses from heavy rain and strong winds. Departments responsible for roads, electricity and other essential infrastructure have been directed to remain prepared for swift restoration work if trees fall, power lines are damaged or transport links are disrupted.
In Ganjam, the administration has reportedly kept 100 cyclone centres ready and identified 1,000 temporary locations for accommodating people who may need to be evacuated. Authorities are also monitoring river and reservoir water levels as part of preparations for possible flooding. The broader response is intended to ensure that emergency arrangements are in place before the storm approaches, rather than relying solely on rescue operations after damage has occurred.
The cyclone’s projected track and intensity remain important factors in determining the eventual impact on Odisha. While forecasts currently favour the Andhra Pradesh coast for landfall, southern Odisha districts could still face significant weather-related disruption. The state’s preparations will therefore depend on continued monitoring, timely communication and coordination between disaster-response agencies and district administrations.
With October 28 approaching, the immediate priority is to ensure that warnings translate into practical protection for people in exposed areas. The deployment of 302 response teams, the readiness of shelters and the precautionary closure of educational institutions mark a substantial mobilisation of the state’s emergency machinery. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the changing course of the storm, the speed of local response and public adherence to official safety instructions.
