Bhubaneswar October 25: The Odisha government has deployed 30 disaster response teams in five districts as a very severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.

According to an official release, the deployment includes 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.

Ganjam has received the highest deployment, with nine ODRAF and two NDRF teams, followed by Gajapati with six ODRAF and one NDRF team. Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have each been assigned three ODRAF and one NDRF team.

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Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are expected to be among the worst-affected districts, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds forecast.

The five districts have been placed on high alert in view of forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that weather system is very likely to cross between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm with the maximum sustained wind speed of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph by October 28 forenoon.

As part of the cyclone preparedness plan, the state government and district administrations have stepped up precautionary measures to minimise loss of life and property, with the focus on achieving the state's 'Zero Casualty' target.

The state government on Saturday said that at least 60 ODRAF teams, 17 NDRF teams and 225 fire service teams have been put on alert for deployment in likely affected districts to assist with rescue and relief operations.

The state government also has taken several measures to tackle the natural disaster.

Restrictions on sea and tourist destinations:Fishing activities in the sea have been completely prohibited. Tourist entry into hills, waterfalls, dams, and scenic destinations across these 5 districts has also been banned. The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest and safely store crops (paddy, maize, ragi, etc.) that are 80–85% mature. Dedicated agricultural helpline numbers have been opened for assistance.

Health & public health infrastructure:Measures for water chlorination, stockpiling essential medicines (snake antivenom, chlorine tablets) in hospitals, and pre-positioning restoration equipment for quick power and telecom recovery have been finalized.

Livestock protection:Provision for moving livestock to safer locations, medical treatment via Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), and distribution of cattle feed/fodder in affected pockets has been made.

Coordination & public advisory:Nodal officers have been assigned charge of vulnerable sectors and linked via dedicated WhatsApp groups for real-time reporting. Citizens are requested to ignore rumors, follow official advisories, and cooperate with local authorities.

Cancellation of Leave & 24/7 Control Rooms:Leave for all district-level officers and staff has been cancelled, with directions to remain present at their respective headquarters. 24/7 Control Rooms- including District Emergency Operation Centres, Block, Tehsil, and ULB units-have been made operational. Dedicated helpline numbers and toll-free services have been made available for the public.

Residents in katcha houses, thatched huts, and low-lying areas are being identified and shifted to safe cyclone shelters. Expectant mothers near their delivery dates are being relocated in advance to nearby CHCs, PHCs, and hospitals. Special arrangements are also in place for senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities (PwDs).