Bhubaneswar, October 25: In view of the impending Cyclone Arnab and the forecast of heavy rainfall, strong winds and waterlogging, Odisha Police has placed all seven districts under the Central Range on high alert. The districts include Cuttack Rural, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, Nayagarh and Puri, said IGP Dr. Satyajit Naik

Dr. Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Cuttack, reviewed the preparedness measures and directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to ensure comprehensive preventive arrangements in close coordination with the District Administrations, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and other concerned agencies. Emphasising that the safety of human lives and protection of property remain the top priorities, he instructed officers to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure that no gaps remain in preparedness.

​​​​​​​Police personnel have been deployed in vulnerable, low-lying, flood-prone and coastal areas to facilitate prompt assistance and emergency response. Four ODRAF teams have been positioned in Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khordha districts to strengthen disaster-response efforts. Police are also assisting the district administrations in evacuating residents from vulnerable locations to designated cyclone shelters, with special attention to senior citizens, children, women, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

To minimise disruption and ensure the smooth movement of emergency services, police will regulate traffic, facilitate the prompt clearance of waterlogged roads and fallen trees, and maintain unobstructed access for ambulances, fire tenders, relief vehicles and other emergency-response teams. In evacuated areas, intensified patrolling, visible police presence and night vigil will be maintained to prevent theft, looting and other unlawful activities.

All District Police Control Rooms have been placed on 24×7 alert to receive distress calls and coordinate immediate responses. Odisha Police is also maintaining close coordination with the Fire Services, Health Department, Electricity Department, Works Department (PWD) and other agencies to support the speedy restoration of essential services once the cyclone passes.

Special Coastal Security Measures

A special coastal alert has been sounded in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Puri districts. Police personnel will maintain heightened vigilance along coastal stretches, with particular emphasis on the safety of pilgrims and tourists. People will be discouraged from approaching beaches, venturing into the sea or entering other potentially dangerous coastal areas during the period of heightened risk.

Public Advisory: Follow Official Instructions

Odisha Police has appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid panic while strictly following official weather bulletins, government advisories and instructions issued by the local administration. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded roads, waterlogged areas, fallen trees, damaged electric poles and loose electrical wires.

Residents of vulnerable areas have been urged to move to designated cyclone shelters promptly whenever instructed by the authorities. The public has also been cautioned against spreading or forwarding rumours and unverified information on social media. Strict legal action will be taken against those found disseminating false information that could cause panic or obstruct disaster-management efforts.

In case of an emergency, citizens may contact their nearest police station, the respective District Police Control Room or dial112for immediate assistance.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, Odisha Police stated that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard lives and property across the Central Range. The force remains on high alert and stands firmly with the people to meet any challenges arising from Cyclone Arnab.