Garg reviews preparedness and post-disaster restoration with Special Relief Commissioner; 31,255 people evacuated to safety across eight districts

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 28, 2026

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday reviewed the State’s preparedness to deal with Cyclone Arnab, its likely impact on Odisha, and the measures being taken for post-disaster repair and restoration. The review meeting was held at the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), where SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil briefed her on the prevailing situation, precautionary measures and emergency response arrangements.

The meeting held detailed discussions on pre-cyclone preparedness and emergency interventions, with particular emphasis on the potential damage caused by incessant rainfall associated with the cyclone. The SRC informed the Chief Secretary that the State government had taken all necessary steps to minimise the impact of the impending weather event and ensure the safety of people in vulnerable areas.

The disaster management operations are being carried out with zero casualties as the foremost priority, under the direct supervision and review of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

All district control rooms have been kept operational round the clock, while leave for government employees has been cancelled to ensure the availability of personnel for emergency duties. Schools and Anganwadi centres in affected areas have been ordered to remain closed as a precautionary measure.

As part of the evacuation drive, 31,255 people have been safely moved to 324 active shelters across eight affected districts. The State has kept a total of 2,067 shelters ready to accommodate people displaced by the cyclone and associated rainfall. These include 141 permanent shelters and 1,926 temporary facilities.

Special arrangements have also been made to safeguard pregnant women in vulnerable areas. Of the 4,139 pregnant women identified for precautionary measures, 2,245 have been safely shifted to nearby hospitals and health centres to ensure access to medical care during the emergency.

The authorities have also completed the process of bringing fishing boats to safety. A total of 19,143 fishing boats have been brought ashore, including 11,955 from the sea and 7,188 from Chilika Lake, reducing the risk to fishermen and their vessels amid adverse weather conditions.

Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 23.9 mm during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday. Rainfall exceeding 100 mm was reported in 14 blocks and three urban areas, indicating the intensity of precipitation in several parts of the State.

Pottangi block in Koraput district recorded the highest rainfall at 188  mm, followed by Mohana in Gajapati district at 182.4 mm. Ganjam block received 161.4 mm, Chhatrapur recorded 154.6 mm, and Semiliguda received 143.1 mm.

Among the districts, Gajapati recorded the highest average rainfall at 121.2 mm. Ganjam received 83.1 mm, Koraput 61.0 mm, and Puri 54.2 mm.

The heavy rainfall has heightened concerns over possible flooding, waterlogging and other rain-related disruptions, prompting the administration to maintain close surveillance and keep emergency response mechanisms on standby.

To strengthen the emergency response, the State has deployed 62 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 244 Fire Services teams across Odisha.

The deployment is supported by 1,510 power chain-saws, 225 towing tenders, 110 boats, 135 dewatering pumps and 225 tower lights. These resources are intended to facilitate rescue operations, the removal of fallen trees and other obstructions, water drainage, emergency access and restoration work in affected areas.

The government has also sanctioned ₹19 crore in relief assistance for the eight cyclone-affected districts to support immediate response and relief operations.

Ganjam district has been allocated ₹5 crore, while Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Kandhamal have each been sanctioned ₹2 crore.

Adequate stocks of flattened rice (chuda), jaggery, rice, biscuits, polythene sheets and anti-snake venom (ASV) have been maintained to meet emergency requirements in affected areas.

Meanwhile, power restoration work is progressing in areas served by the Southern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited (TPSODL). Of the 20,19,124 affected consumers, electricity supply has been restored to 13,20,705, accounting for 65.41 per cent of the total.

Gajapati district has recorded the highest restoration rate, with 81.16% of affected consumers having their electricity supply restored, followed by Malkangiri at 71.61 per cent.

With round-the-clock district control rooms, emergency response teams and relief supplies in place, the administration is prioritising the protection of lives and the prompt restoration of normalcy in cyclone-affected areas.