Bhubaneswar, October 27: With Cyclone ‘Arnab’ posing a potential threat to Odisha, the Water Resources Department has stepped up its preparedness, reviewing reservoir management, rainfall forecasts and emergency response measures to minimise the risk of flooding. Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to assess the readiness of field officials and ensure close monitoring of major dams, rivers and vulnerable embankments across the state.

The meeting reviewed the rainfall forecast, reservoir status, inflows and outflows, and the preparedness of field formations. Emphasis was laid on continuous monitoring of rainfall, river and reservoir levels, and inflows and outflows to ensure timely action in response to the evolving situation.

Also Read: Cyclone Alert: Odisha Govt gears up cyclone preparedness in 8 districts, targets ‘Zero Casualties’

Special attention was given to major and medium reservoirs in southern Odisha, including Indravati, Kolab, Balimela, Bhanjanagar, Harabhangi and Bhaskel. The EIC directed close monitoring of the water levels and maintain them at safe levels to accommodate anticipated inflows due to heavy rainfall under the impact of the cyclonic storm. The status and management of Hirakud Dam were also reviewed extensively.

The concerned engineers were advised to remain vigilant, regularly assess the situation in their respective areas and take prompt action as required. The importance of maintaining close coordination with district administrations and sharing relevant information without delay was also emphasised. Discussions were held on regular inspection of vulnerable points along river embankments, keeping field teams ready and ensuring the availability of adequate manpower and materials for emergency response.

Chief Engineers, Chief Construction Engineers and Executive Engineers concerned with the Tel Basin, Indravati-Kolab Basin, Rushikulya-Bansadhara-Nagavali (RBVN), Potteru and Mahanadi Basin attended the meeting.

The very severe cyclonic storm Arnab hurtles towards the east coast and is expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours before crossing the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by Wednesday forenoon. 

In Odisha, the IMD has issued an orange warning, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm, for six districts of Puri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.