Cyclone Alert / Odisha Govt Warns of Legal Action Against Those Spreading Fake Claims About Cyclone Arnab

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Odisha's cyber police are keeping a close watch on social media users spreading fabricated claims, unverified weather predictions and false information about the path of severe cyclonic storm Arnab, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil warned on Tuesday.

Patil cautioned that unauthorised individuals making baseless predictions about the cyclone's trajectory or landfall location without scientific evidence, thereby creating fear and panic among the public, could face strict legal action.

According to the state administration, Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, provides for punishment for spreading false warnings about a disaster with the intention of causing panic. The offence can attract imprisonment of up to one year or a fine. Section 51 also provides for penalties for obstructing official disaster management work.

The cybercrime wing and police administration have been directed to identify those spreading rumours and take necessary legal action. District Collectors have also been asked to ensure that accurate and authorised information reaches people promptly.

The administration has urged people to verify cyclone-related claims before sharing them on social media and rely only on official government updates and authorised India Meteorological Department bulletins.

Nearly 48,000 People Identified For Evacuation
Meanwhile, the district administrations are on alert, with nearly 48,000 people identified for evacuation across eight districts. Evacuation has already been completed in several locations, while further movement of people will be undertaken if required.

According to the figures shared by the SRC, the district-wise numbers are:

Nabarangpur: 11,270 people

Gajapati: 11,000 people

Malkangiri: 9,850 people

Ganjam: 6,500 people

Koraput: 5,000 people

Kalahandi: 2,415 people

Nuapada: 1,675 people

Rayagada: 300 people

The state has deployed 48 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 Fire Service teams for cyclone response operations.

Rain began in Ganjam, Puri and Bhubaneswar this morning, with impacts expected to intensify. Local officials and rapid response teams have also been deployed in areas vulnerable to landslides.

Also Read: Cyclone Arnab Live Updates: Schools Shut In 10 Odisha Districts, Closures Extend Till Oct 29 In Five

Rs 19 Crore Released For Preparedness
The administration has disbursed around Rs 19 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to districts to support preparedness and response measures. Ganjam has received Rs 5 crore.

In addition, 400 metric tonnes of cattle fodder have been pre-positioned in Kataka and Koraput to ensure supplies for livestock during the cyclone.

Reassuring residents, the administration said all necessary preparations were being made to minimise the impact of the approaching storm.

"I want to assure people that the government is well aware of the situation and every possible step is being taken to minimise the damage from the approaching cyclone. There is no need to panic," Patil said.