Malkangiri Administration on High Alert Ahead of Possible Cyclone ‘Arnab’; NDRF, ODRAF Deployed
Malkangiri, October 24, 2026: The Malkangiri district administration has stepped up its preparedness to tackle the possible impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’, with heavy rainfall forecast in the district from October 26 to 28 following the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Disaster response teams have been mobilised, educational institutions ordered to remain closed, and officials directed to ensure the immediate evacuation of people from vulnerable areas.
A high-level preparedness meeting was held at the Zilla Parishad conference hall in Malkangiri on the directions of District Collector Prathmesh Arvind Rajeshirke. The meeting was chaired by Additional District Collector (Administration) Somnath Pradhan and attended by Additional District Collector (Revenue) Bedabar Pradhan, Chief Development Officer of the Zilla Parishad Dasharathi Sarabu, Sub-Collector Duryodhan Bhoi, Additional Superintendent of Police Rashmiranjan Senapati and District Emergency Officer Dipti Ranjan Sahu, among other officials.
The meeting reviewed emergency response arrangements, evacuation plans, healthcare facilities, essential services and the readiness of rescue teams to deal with any eventuality arising from the anticipated severe weather.
NDRF and ODRAF Teams on Standby
As part of the disaster response arrangements, a 30-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, led by a Commandant and supported by two sub-officers, is scheduled to be deployed at Kalimela. A 36-member Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team has already arrived in Mathili and remains on high alert. Fire Services personnel have also been kept ready to respond to emergencies.
The administration has directed all Tehsildars and other field-level officials to remain vigilant and ensure the timely shifting of people living in low-lying areas and vulnerable kutcha houses to safer locations. All four permanent cyclone shelters in the district, along with designated temporary shelters, have been ordered to be kept ready for immediate use.
Schools, Colleges and Anganwadi Centres to Remain Closed
In view of the weather forecast and public safety concerns, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Malkangiri district will remain closed until October 29, as directed by the District Collector. All ongoing sports activities at Satiguda have also been suspended as a precautionary measure.
Special Healthcare Arrangements
The Health Department has been instructed to identify pregnant women in vulnerable areas, particularly those approaching their expected delivery dates, and shift them in advance to the District Headquarters Hospital, Community Health Centres or other designated safe facilities, as appropriate.
Hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of emergency medicines, keep mobile medical teams ready and ensure uninterrupted power supply to meet any emergency medical requirements during the adverse weather conditions.
Public Urged to Follow Official Advisories
The district administration has appealed to residents to cooperate with officials, follow safety instructions and rely only on information issued through authorised government channels. People have also been advised not to circulate rumours or unverified information that could create unnecessary panic.
With rescue teams on alert, shelters being readied and essential services under review, the administration is focusing on precautionary measures to minimise the possible impact of the approaching weather system and safeguard lives across Malkangiri district.
