Gajapati Steps Up Cyclone Preparedness; 10,200 People Evacuated from Vulnerable Areas

Bhagabat Padhi, Odisha Barta

Minister Suraj visited several cyclone shelters to assess their preparedness and inspect the facilities available

Paralakhemundi, October 27, 2026:With the threat of a possible cyclone looming, the Gajapati district administration has intensified its preparedness measures, prioritising public safety and the state government’s goal of achieving zero casualties.

A high-level review meeting was held at the District Collector’s office under the chairmanship of Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister for Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature and Culture. Gajapati District Collector Akshay Sunil Agarwal and other senior officials attended the meeting, while block-level and sub-divisional officers joined virtually to coordinate preparedness measures at the grassroots level.

During the review, the Minister assessed the district’s emergency response arrangements, evacuation measures and readiness of relief facilities. He stressed that the safety of residents must remain the foremost priority and directed officials to ensure prompt action in vulnerable areas.

“Tackling the possible cyclone and ensuring the safety of the public is our utmost priority,” the Minister said, reiterating the government’s commitment to preventing loss of life.

According to the district administration, 10,200 people from 147 cyclone-vulnerable areas have been evacuated to safer locations and relief centres. Special arrangements have been made for pregnant women, who are being shifted to designated ‘Maa Ghara’ maternity shelters to ensure their safety and access to necessary care.

The administration has also readied approximately 200 cyclone shelters across the district. These facilities have been equipped with dry rations, cooking arrangements, safe drinking water, medical kits for emergency treatment and electricity connections to meet the immediate needs of evacuees.

As part of precautionary measures, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Gajapati district have been ordered to remain closed for students for three days, from October 27 to October 29. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued to the concerned authorities, while senior district officials have been deployed to vulnerable areas to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency responses.

Following the review meeting, Minister Suraj visited several cyclone shelters to assess their preparedness and inspect the facilities available to evacuees. He reviewed the availability of essential amenities and stressed the need to ensure that people taking shelter receive proper care and support throughout the emergency.

The district administration continues to focus on timely evacuation, effective coordination among departments and the availability of essential services to minimise risks and safeguard lives in the event of severe weather