The Odisha government has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres to remain closed on October 28 and 29 in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur as Cyclone Arnab approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast. The precautionary measure comes amid an IMD forecast of extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha on October 28 and very heavy rain on October 27 and 29.
Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the morning of October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm, with winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph. Odisha has activated rescue teams, prepared shelters and begun precautionary evacuations, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing officials to prioritise public safety and work towards zero casualties.
Six Districts On Alert
The closure order covers six southern Odisha districts identified as vulnerable to the cyclone’s impact. The Odisha government’s October 24 preparedness announcement initially listed five districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. By October 26, the precautionary measures had been extended to Nabarangpur, bringing the total to six districts.
The state has also prohibited fishing in the sea and barred tourists from entering hills, waterfalls, dams and other scenic locations across these vulnerable districts. Authorities are simultaneously preparing cyclone shelters and temporary shelters and have been directed to move people living in low-lying areas and vulnerable houses to safer locations.
Arnab Nears Andhra Coast
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone Arnab had intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal. It is expected to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. The system is forecast to bring maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.
While the projected landfall is in Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha is expected to experience significant weather impacts. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall over Odisha on October 28, with very heavy rainfall also possible on October 27 and 29. Thunderstorms, lightning and squally weather have also been forecast.
Evacuations Underway
Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state was taking no chances despite the projected landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. “Although the system is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast, the Odisha government would take no chances and remain fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” he said.
The government has deployed 24 ODRAF teams and six NDRF teams, while rescue personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services and police have also been positioned in vulnerable areas. Eight ministers have been deputed to monitor preparedness, while control rooms have been activated.
Officials have been instructed to evacuate people from low-lying areas and vulnerable houses, while pregnant women are being moved to healthcare facilities in advance. Special arrangements have also been made for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities. Cyclone shelters have been stocked with essential supplies.
Farmers Urged To Prepare
The cyclone threat has also prompted precautionary measures for agriculture. Farmers have been advised to harvest and safely store crops that are 80–85% mature to minimise potential losses from heavy rain and strong winds. Dedicated agricultural helplines have also been opened to provide assistance.
The Odisha government has separately cautioned people against circulating unverified or misleading weather forecasts about Cyclone Arnab. The Special Relief Commissioner has urged citizens and media organisations to rely on official IMD bulletins and advisories issued by the state and district administrations.
Essential Services On Standby
The state government has directed engineering departments to remain prepared for the restoration of roads, electricity and drinking-water supplies after the cyclone. Health authorities in potentially affected areas have also been asked to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, medical kits and anti-snake venom.
At the national level, the Cabinet Secretary-led National Crisis Management Committee reviewed preparedness on October 26. The Centre said shelters and evacuation arrangements had been prepared and NDRF and SDRF teams kept on standby. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea from October 26 to 29 along the affected waters and coasts.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The decision to close educational institutions before severe weather reaches vulnerable districts is a prudent preventive measure, particularly when forecasts point to extremely heavy rainfall and damaging winds. Odisha’s emphasis on evacuation, shelters, emergency teams and protection of vulnerable groups shows why preparedness before a disaster strikes can save lives.
At the same time, responsible communication is equally important: unverified cyclone forecasts can create unnecessary fear and confusion when people most need reliable information. Do you think India’s disaster preparedness has improved enough to protect vulnerable communities from increasingly frequent extreme-weather events?
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