Cyclone Alert / Odisha Evacuates 48,000 People, Shuts Schools in 16 Districts Ahead of Cyclone Arnab

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Odisha intensified evacuation measures and closed schools in more than half of its districts on Wednesday as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) Arnab moved closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to several parts of the State, officials said.

With the cyclone expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in the early hours of October 28, the State government has launched a large-scale evacuation drive aimed at ensuring zero casualties.

Mass Evacuation Drive

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh P. Patil said the government has planned to evacuate at least 48,000 people from low-lying and landslide-prone areas by Tuesday evening.

The evacuation process was stepped up after the India Meteorological Department advanced its landfall forecast, indicating that Cyclone Arnab is now expected to cross the coast between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday, earlier than the previously anticipated forenoon timeline.

According to officials, Gajapati and Nabarangpur districts are expected to account for the highest number of evacuations, with around 11,000 people each being shifted to safer locations.

Evacuation measures are also underway in Malkangiri, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Nuapada districts, which are likely to experience the cyclone's impact.
Also Read: Cyclone Arnab's Outer Bands Enter Coast; Landfall Likely Between 2 AM and 4 AM

Focus on Vulnerable Groups

Patil said district collectors have been directed to take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property. Priority is being given to the evacuation of pregnant women, senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

The administration has mobilised resources and coordinated field-level operations to ensure the timely movement of vulnerable residents to designated shelters and safer locations.

Schools Closed

As a precautionary measure, the State government has ordered the closure of schools in 16 of Odisha's 30 districts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The move comes amid forecasts of heavy rainfall and strong winds in several districts, particularly in southern and western Odisha.

Officials said the closures are intended to ensure the safety of students and school staff while emergency response agencies remain focused on preparedness and evacuation operations.

The State government continues to closely monitor the evolving cyclonic situation and has instructed district administrations to remain on high alert as Cyclone Arnab approaches the coast.