Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: The Odisha government has released ₹19 crore in special assistance to eight districts likely to be affected by Cyclone Arnab and intensified preparedness measures under its ‘Zero Casualty’ policy, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Tuesday.

The minister reviewed the state’s readiness at a meeting at the State Emergency Control Room in Rajiv Bhawan, along with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and senior officials.

The districts prioritised for preparedness are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi, where heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions are anticipated.

According to officials, 48,010 vulnerable people have been identified across these districts, and 466 cyclone shelters have been readied to accommodate them. Nabarangpur accounts for the highest number of vulnerable people at 11,270, followed by Gajapati with 11,000 and Malkangiri with 9,850.

Ganjam has identified 6,500 vulnerable people, Koraput 5,000, Kalahandi 2,415, Nuapada 1,675 and Rayagada 300.

District administrations have been instructed to ensure that shelters are fully equipped. Collectors and key officials have been directed to remain at their headquarters, while leave has been cancelled. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been activated to coordinate emergency response and assistance.

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