ODISHA FULLY PREPARED FOR CYCLONE; 60 ODRAF, 17 NDRF TEAMS, 225 FIRE SERVICE UNITS ON ALERT
Bureau,| Odishabarta
Schools, Colleges to Remain Closed in Five Districts on October 28 and 29
CM Mohan Charan Majhi Targets Zero Casualties
Bhubaneswar, October 24, 2026:The Odisha Government has stepped up its preparedness to tackle the impending cyclone, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing all departments to work in close coordination to minimise the impact of the approaching weather system and ensure zero casualties.
“ With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, we will achieve zero casualty this time as well,” the Chief Minister said on Saturday after reviewing the State’s cyclone preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
Stating that Odisha had gained considerable experience in managing cyclones and floods, Majhi said the State had successfully handled previous disasters, including Cyclones Dana and Montha. He expressed confidence that the administration would once again effectively manage the emerging situation.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s information presented during the review, the cyclone is expected to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28, although the Andhra Pradesh coast has a higher probability of being the landfall area. Several districts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy rainfall, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 80–90 kmph.
Southern Odisha is expected to bear the brunt of the adverse weather, particularly Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts. Other coastal districts are also likely to receive rainfall.
As a precautionary measure, the State Government has decided to keep schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres closed in these five districts on October 28 and 29. In other districts, the respective District Collectors will decide on the closure of educational institutions based on the prevailing weather conditions and the evolving situation.
Disaster Response Teams Put on Alert
The Chief Minister said arrangements had been made to evacuate vulnerable people to cyclone and flood shelters wherever necessary. Special attention is being given to shifting patients and pregnant women to healthcare facilities to ensure their safety during the emergency.
The State has mobilised approximately 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 Fire Services teams to respond to emergencies.
The teams are being kept ready for rescue, evacuation and relief operations in vulnerable areas.
Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. The Health Department has also been instructed to ensure adequate stocks of anti-snake venom, essential medicines and medical kits at healthcare centres in the potentially affected areas.
Restoration and Farmers’ Safety PrioritisedAll engineering departments have been directed to remain prepared for the immediate restoration of essential services in the event of damage caused by the cyclone. Special arrangements have been made to remove uprooted trees and clear roads promptly to maintain connectivity and facilitate emergency response.
With the harvesting season approaching, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to alert farmers in advance and create awareness about harvesting and safely storing their crops to minimise potential agricultural losses.
Majhi directed all concerned departments to work together under a “Whole of Government Approach”, ensuring effective coordination among disaster management agencies, district administrations and essential service providers.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Director General of Fire Services, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Health Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and other senior officials attended the review meeting.
The State Government has placed the administration on alert as it prepares to respond to the cyclone, with the safety of people, protection of property and uninterrupted emergency services remaining the key priorities.
