Cyclone ‘Arnab’: Ganjam Administration Maintains Zero Casualties, Shifts 6,170 People to 177 Shelters
Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta
Baghalati Reservoir Under Close Watch Amid Heavy Inflow; Collector Briefs Media on Disaster Response
Bramhapur, October 28, 2026:The Ganjam district administration has maintained a record of zero human and animal casualties while intensifying precautionary measures against the impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’. As part of its emergency response, the administration has evacuated 6,170 people to 177 safe shelters across the district, with free kitchens operating at all 177 locations to provide food to the displaced population.
The latest situation was outlined at a press briefing organised by the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO), Ganjam, on Tuesday. District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, IAS, chaired the briefing and explained the administration’s response to the cyclone, highlighting evacuation measures, coastal safety, emergency control room operations and continuous monitoring of reservoirs.
Media representatives from Ganjam and West Bengal attended the briefing. Among those present were Brahmapur Sub-Collector Avinash Kumar, IAS, Brahmapur Municipal Corporation Commissioner A. Sasya Reddy, and other senior district-level officers. District Information and Public Relations Officer Sourav Pradhan delivered the vote of thanks.
6,170 People Shifted to Safe Shelters
According to the official press bulletin issued by the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), Chhatrapur, at 1 p.m. on October 28, a total of 6,170 people had been evacuated to 177 safe shelters. The evacuees included 2,415 men, 2,428 women and 1,327 children.
Free kitchens have been established at all 177 shelters to ensure the availability of food and other essential facilities for the affected people.
The administration has activated round-the-clock control rooms in all district-level offices to coordinate emergency response and address public needs. The central District Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted at 06811-263978.
Coastal Security Measures Intensified
The administration has completely prohibited fishing activities and entry into the sea until further notice. Coastal Tahasildars, fisheries officials and Marine Police personnel are patrolling vulnerable coastal areas, while public-address systems and coastal warning announcements are being used to disseminate safety advisories.
The official bulletin stated that all fishermen had returned from the sea. The district administration has also enumerated 1,636 boats, including 1,354 motorised and 282 non-motorised boats, as part of its maritime safety measures.
Meanwhile, 37 trawlers have taken shelter at Gopalpur Port. Of these, four are from Paradip and 33 from Andhra Pradesh.
Baghalati Reservoir Under Close Watch
The district administration is closely monitoring water levels, inflows and discharge rates at major dams and reservoirs in view of rainfall forecasts and possible downstream impacts.
As of October 28, all reservoirs were reported to be below their respective danger levels. However, the Baghalati Reservoir has emerged as a particular point of concern because of significant inflow.
According to the bulletin, the reservoir was receiving an inflow of approximately 500 cubic metres per second (cumecs) and discharging around 200 cumecs. Officials cautioned that its water level could approach the danger mark, prompting intensified monitoring of reservoir conditions and downstream areas.
Coordinated Response to Ensure Public Safety
The district administration has placed its operational machinery on high alert and activated inter-departmental coordination to protect lives, facilitate evacuation, manage potential urban inundation and maintain essential supplies.
Through the press briefing, the Collector and senior officials highlighted the importance of coordinated action, continuous surveillance and public cooperation in dealing with the cyclone threat.
The administration continues to monitor the evolving situation, with the stated priority of safeguarding human and animal lives and ensuring that people in vulnerable areas receive timely assistance.
