​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, October 27:The Odisha government has released ₹19 crore in special assistance to eight districts identified as potentially vulnerable to Cyclone Arnab, intensifying preparedness measures with a focus on its ‘Zero Casualty’ policy, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Tuesday.

The minister reviewed the state’s preparedness at a meeting held at the State Emergency Control Room in Rajiv Bhawan, attended by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and senior officials.

The eight districts prioritised for precautionary measures are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi, where heavy rainfall and other adverse weather conditions are expected.

District administrations have been directed to ensure that all cyclone shelters are fully equipped and ready to accommodate vulnerable residents. Collectors and other key officials have been instructed to remain at their respective headquarters, while their leave has been cancelled. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been activated to respond to emergencies.

According to the preparedness assessment,48,010 people have been identified as vulnerable across the eight districts, and 466 shelters have been readiedto accommodate them.

Nabarangpur has identified the highest number of vulnerable people at 11,270, followed by Gajapati with 11,000 and Malkangiri with 9,850. Ganjam has identified 6,500 vulnerable residents, Koraput 5,000, Kalahandi 2,415, Nuapada 1,675 and Rayagada 300.

Disaster response teams deployed

As part of emergency response arrangements, nine Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 24 Fire Service teams have been deployed in Ganjam.

Gajapati has been assigned six ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and eight Fire Service teams, while Rayagada has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 11 Fire Service teams.

Koraput has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 14 Fire Service teams. Malkangiri has also been provided with three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and nine Fire Service teams. Nabarangpur has three ODRAF teams and 12 Fire Service teams, while Fire Service teams have been deployed in Nuapada and Kalahandi.

Senior IAS officers have been deputed to the more vulnerable districts to oversee preparedness and coordinate response efforts. Field-level arrangements have been reviewed in consultation with district Collectors and officials from the departments concerned.

Authorities have been directed to maintain round-the-clock readiness, stock essential supplies in advance, issue timely emergency alerts and closely monitor bulletins issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Health services, essential supplies put on alert

As a precautionary measure, Anganwadi centres will remain closed. The Health Department has been instructed to ensure that medical relief centres and mobile health teams are ready to respond to emergencies. Adequate stocks of essential medicines, backup power facilities and emergency obstetric services are also to be ensured, particularly to protect pregnant women and newborns.

Arrangements will also be made to distribute cattle feed in affected areas to safeguard livestock during the adverse weather conditions.

To strengthen coordination, nodal officers have been assigned responsibility for flood-prone areas. A dedicated WhatsApp group has also been formed to facilitate communication among officials and field-level functionaries and ensure a coordinated response.

The state government has appealed to residents to follow official advisories, cooperate with the administration and refrain from spreading or believing rumours.

Reiterating its commitment to public safety, the government said all necessary precautionary measures were being taken to minimise the impact of the cyclone and prevent loss of life.