Cyclone Arnab Alert: Odisha Deputy CM Reviews Readiness; 31 NDRF Teams Deployed Across 5 States
Odisha Deputy CM reviews Cyclone Arnab readiness as 31 NDRF teams deploy across 5 states to ensure zero casualties before landfall.
As Cyclone Arnab barrels toward the coast, authorities have shifted into high gear to prevent any loss of life. Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida recently led a critical review meeting with district officials and disaster response agencies to ensure that all systems are in place to tackle the impending storm. The meeting, held at the OSWAN video conferencing hall in Rayagada, brought together personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and fire services to coordinate a seamless response.
The Mission for 'Zero Casualties'
The central objective of the current operation is a "zero-casualty cyclone." According to NDRF Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi, high-level strategic meetings have already taken place at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and with the Cabinet Secretary to formulate a foolproof plan to counter the storm's impact.
To execute this strategy, the NDRF has requisitioned and deployed 31 teams across five states and the Union Territory of Yanam. The deployment breakdown is as follows:
- Andhra Pradesh: 12 teams
- Odisha: 9 teams
- Chhattisgarh: 4 teams
- Telangana: 3 teams
- Yanam: 2 teams
In addition to the national forces, Odisha has mobilised 60 ODRAF teams, while approximately 11 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are stationed in Andhra Pradesh and other critical zones, including Chhattisgarh.
Evacuations and Immediate Actions
The battle against the storm has already begun on the ground. DIG Mohsen Shahedi confirmed that evacuation plans are ready and currently being implemented. Authorities are focusing heavily on low-lying areas where flooding is most likely, moving residents to safer locations before the weather deteriorates further.
IMD Warning: Severe Winds and Massive Waves
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a grim forecast for the landfall, which is expected near Yanam on Wednesday morning. The storm is predicted to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Yanam as a "very severe cyclonic storm."
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra highlighted the extreme dangers posed by the storm's intensity:
"The wind speed will be 125 to 135 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 150 kilometres per hour. These wind speeds are typical of a very severe cyclostorm, and they are large-scale damaging winds."
Potential Impacts and Risks:
- Infrastructure: High risk of power outages and communication disruptions due to damaging winds.
- Agriculture: Standing paddy and horticultural crops in affected regions face a high probability of extensive damage.
- Maritime Safety: The sea is experiencing "phenomenal" conditions with waves reaching up to 14 metres, making it extremely unsafe for ships and boats. Offshore transport has been recommended for regulation.
- Coastal Flooding: A combination of the cyclone and tidal waves is expected to cause flooding. The East Godavari district is anticipated to see the highest storm surge, with seawater potentially rising 1 to 1.5 metres and inundating low-lying areas.
The IMD has further warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on October 27 and 28, which is expected to trigger widespread waterlogging and disrupt transport networks.