Bhubaneswar, October 28: The Odisha government has shifted around 2,200 pregnant women whose expected delivery dates (EDDs) fall this week to safer locations as part of precautionary measures amid severe cyclonic storm Arnab, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said.

The state has also relocated around 28,000 people to relief camps in view of the cyclone and the possibility of heavy rainfall in several districts.

According to Patil, the severe cyclonic storm made landfall near Yanam in Andhra Pradesh from around 2 am, with the process continuing until 8 am. The system has now moved completely over land and is likely to reach Odisha’s Malkangiri district by the evening.

“Almost all blocks in Gajapati district and some blocks in Ganjam district have received more than 150 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours,” Patil said.

The state government is anticipating heavy rainfall in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts and is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation.

Patil said response forces have been placed on high alert, with adequate personnel from both the state and the Centre deployed in areas likely to be affected by the cyclone.

Also Read: Cyclone Arnab: 31,255 People evacuated across eight districts; 2,067 shelters kept ready, 9 NDRF teams deployed

The relocation of pregnant women is aimed at ensuring timely medical assistance and safe deliveries amid the adverse weather conditions. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and take necessary precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the storm.