Odisha has deployed around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 fire service teams ahead of cyclone Arnab, which is expected to approach the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast on October 28.
The state government has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five southern districts to remain closed on October 28 and 29.
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparedness at Lok Seva Bhavan on Saturday and said forecasts indicated a greater likelihood of the cyclone making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
“With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, we will achieve zero casualty this time as well,” Majhi said, citing Odisha’s experience in handling cyclones Dana and Montha and several floods.
Officials said the system could bring winds of 80-90kmph and heavy rain, particularly in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Other coastal districts could also receive rainfall.
Majhi directed departments to coordinate their response and ensure that cyclone and flood shelters were ready for evacuations. Officials have been instructed to prioritise shifting patients and pregnant women to health facilities.
Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea.