Odisha has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres to remain closed on October 28 and 29 in five districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri — as Cyclone Arnab approaches, Sambad English reported. District Collectors in other districts may decide on closures as the situation develops.
Source: Sambad English
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparedness on Saturday and said the government's primary objective is zero casualties. The state has also cancelled the leave of district Collectors and other key officials and directed them to return to headquarters, Sambad English reported.
Source: Sambad English
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast cited in the reports, the Bay of Bengal system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to southern Odisha and coastal areas.
A red warning has been issued for the five districts for October 28, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall potentially exceeding 20 cm, thunderstorms and gusty winds of 60-70 kmph, the Daily Jagran reported. Farmers have been advised to protect crops and health facilities to stock medicines and supplies.
Source: The Daily Jagran
About 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units, 17 NDRF units and 225 Fire Services units have been mobilised, and Ganjam has prepared 100 cyclone shelters and 1,000 alternative locations, with special attention to elderly people, patients and expectant mothers, according to the reports.
Source: The Daily Jagran