Bhubaneswar, October 25, 2026: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned eight ministers to oversee cyclone preparedness in eight districts as the state steps up precautionary measures ahead of Cyclone Arnab. The ministers will coordinate with district administrations and monitor emergency arrangements from October 27 to 29.

According to reports, both Deputy Chief Ministers have been entrusted with responsibilities in vulnerable districts. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo will oversee preparations in Koraput, while Pravati Parida has been assigned Rayagada. Other ministers have also been deployed to districts to supervise readiness and ensure coordination among government departments.

Rabi Narayan Naik will monitor Kandhamal, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena will oversee Ganjam, Krushna Chandra Patra will be responsible for Nabarangpur, Nityananda Gond will look after Malkangiri, Mukesh Mahaling will oversee Kalahandi, and Suryabanshi Suraj will monitor Gajapati.

The ministerial deployment is intended to strengthen coordination between the state government, district administrations and emergency response agencies. Officials are expected to review preparedness measures, identify vulnerable areas and ensure that necessary resources are available to respond to any cyclone-related emergency.

Emergency Teams Placed on Alert

As part of the broader preparedness plan, the state has mobilised disaster response and emergency services. Reports indicate that around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 Fire Services teams have been placed on alert.

Authorities are also preparing for possible disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding. District administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant, particularly in coastal and southern parts of the state that could experience adverse weather conditions.

Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been ordered to remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a precautionary measure, according to reports.

Weather Monitoring Continues

The India Meteorological Department's forecast, as reported on October 25, indicated the possibility of the storm crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast near the Bapatla–Visakhapatnam region around October 28. Odisha could experience heavy rainfall and strong winds in some areas, depending on the system's movement and intensity.

The state government is monitoring weather developments and coordinating precautionary arrangements to minimise potential damage and protect residents. People in vulnerable areas have been advised to follow official instructions and remain alert to updates from local authorities.

The coming days will be crucial for completing preparations, ensuring emergency services are ready and facilitating a coordinated response if weather conditions deteriorate.

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