Sudam babu state bureau odisha

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Bhubaneswar, October 24, 2026

The Odisha government has stepped up its disaster preparedness ahead of an approaching cyclone, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing all departments to work in close coordination to protect residents and minimize the impact of the expected weather disturbance. The state administration has placed disaster response teams, emergency services, healthcare facilities and infrastructure departments on alert as preparations continue for the anticipated landfall around October 28.

Following a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that Odisha would once again succeed in preventing loss of life through timely evacuation, effective coordination and advance planning.

Emphasizing the state’s experience in handling natural disasters, Majhi said the government was committed to maintaining its record of protecting human lives during cyclone-related emergencies.

Chief Minister Reviews Statewide Disaster Preparedness

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the arrangements made by various government departments to deal with the anticipated cyclone and its associated weather conditions.

Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said Odisha had developed considerable experience in managing cyclones, floods and other natural disasters. He referred to the state’s handling of Cyclones Dana and Montha, along with previous flood situations, as examples of its disaster management capabilities.

According to Majhi, the government was working with the objective of preventing casualties and ensuring that people in vulnerable areas received assistance before conditions deteriorated.

He expressed faith in the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath and said the state would make every possible effort to achieve zero casualties once again.

The Chief Minister stressed that disaster preparedness was not limited to emergency response teams. Every department had a responsibility to ensure that essential services remained available and that residents could be moved to safer locations whenever necessary.

The review focused on evacuation arrangements, emergency shelters, medical assistance, road clearance, electricity restoration, agricultural protection and coordination among government agencies.

Cyclone Expected Around October 28

According to information shared by the Chief Minister from the Meteorological Department, the approaching cyclone is expected to make landfall between northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha around October 28.

However, the possibility of the cyclone crossing the Andhra Pradesh coastline has been described as relatively higher.

The anticipated weather system is likely to influence several districts of Odisha, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Wind speeds could reach approximately 80 to 90 kilometres per hour, according to the information presented during the review.

Southern Odisha is expected to experience comparatively stronger weather conditions, with heavy rainfall and powerful winds posing challenges for residents, transportation and essential services.

The government has identified Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri as districts requiring particular attention.

Other coastal districts are also expected to receive rainfall under the influence of the weather system.

Officials are monitoring the evolving situation, and preparedness measures are being adjusted according to the anticipated impact.

The administration has emphasized the importance of following official weather advisories and avoiding unnecessary movement in areas likely to experience severe conditions.

Schools and Colleges to Remain Closed in Five Districts

As part of the precautionary measures, the Odisha government has decided to close schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five districts on October 28 and 29.

The closure will apply to Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

The decision has been taken to reduce risks for students, teachers, children and other staff members during the expected period of adverse weather.

The Chief Minister said the situation in other districts would be assessed separately.

District Collectors have been authorized to decide whether educational institutions should remain closed in their respective areas, depending on local weather conditions and the severity of the cyclone’s impact.

This approach will allow district administrations to respond according to their specific requirements rather than applying the same decision uniformly across the entire state.

Parents, students and educational institutions have been advised to follow announcements issued by their respective district administrations.

60 ODRAF Teams, 17 NDRF Units and 225 Fire Service Teams Ready

The Odisha government has mobilized emergency response personnel to strengthen its ability to respond quickly if the cyclone causes damage.

According to the Chief Minister, approximately 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams have been deployed for disaster response operations.

Additionally, 17 National Disaster Response Force teams have been positioned to support rescue, evacuation and emergency management activities.

Around 225 Fire Services teams have also been placed on high alert.

These teams will assist in responding to emergencies, including situations involving fallen trees, damaged infrastructure, road obstructions and other cyclone-related incidents.

The deployment is intended to ensure that trained personnel are available to reach affected locations quickly.

The government is also emphasizing coordination among emergency agencies so that rescue operations can be carried out efficiently.

The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to remain prepared throughout the period of the cyclone and to avoid delays in responding to emergencies.

Cyclone Shelters and Evacuation Arrangements Strengthened

The administration has prepared cyclone shelters and flood shelters to accommodate residents from vulnerable locations.

The objective is to ensure that people living in areas exposed to flooding, strong winds or other hazards can be relocated to safer places before the situation becomes dangerous.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to give special attention to people who may require additional assistance during evacuation.

Patients receiving treatment at healthcare facilities and pregnant women have been identified as priority groups.

Officials have been directed to ensure that such individuals can be shifted to suitable medical facilities whenever necessary.

The government is also expected to coordinate transportation and healthcare arrangements to avoid difficulties during emergency movement.

Authorities have been asked to ensure that shelters are ready to receive people and that essential services remain available during the emergency.

Healthcare Facilities Asked to Maintain Essential Supplies

Healthcare preparedness has been included among the government’s major priorities.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that medical facilities in potentially affected districts have adequate supplies of essential medicines and emergency equipment.

Particular emphasis has been placed on the availability of anti-snake venom injections, medicines and medical kits.

The administration has been directed to maintain preparedness at health centres so that patients can receive immediate assistance if medical emergencies arise.

The government is also focusing on ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Medical teams are expected to remain prepared to respond to emergencies, while district authorities will coordinate arrangements according to local requirements.

Electricity, Roads and Infrastructure Departments on Alert

The Chief Minister directed engineering departments to prepare for immediate restoration work in the event of damage caused by the cyclone.

Electricity infrastructure, roads and other essential public facilities may face disruptions if strong winds and heavy rainfall affect the region.

The government has therefore emphasized advance planning to minimize interruptions.

Special arrangements have been made for removing fallen trees and clearing road blockages.

Officials have been instructed to ensure that emergency teams can restore transportation routes as quickly as possible.

The Energy Department and other engineering agencies have been asked to maintain coordination so that restoration work can begin without unnecessary delays.

The Chief Minister stressed that preparedness should include both preventing damage wherever possible and restoring essential services promptly after the cyclone.

Fishermen Warned Against Venturing Into the Sea

The government has issued warnings to fishermen, advising them not to enter the sea during the period of expected adverse weather.

The precaution is intended to protect fishing communities from dangerous marine conditions associated with the approaching cyclone.

Authorities have been instructed to communicate safety advisories and ensure that fishermen understand the risks.

Residents in coastal areas have also been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local administrations.

The government has emphasized that public cooperation will be essential for effective disaster management.

Farmers Advised to Protect Crops Before Cyclone

With the agricultural harvesting season approaching, the Chief Minister has directed officials to inform farmers about the expected weather conditions and encourage advance precautions.

Farmers have been advised to harvest crops wherever feasible and arrange for safe storage before the cyclone arrives.

The administration is focusing on reducing potential agricultural losses caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds and waterlogging.

Officials have been instructed to communicate necessary precautions to farming communities in vulnerable districts.

The Chief Minister emphasized that timely information and preparation could help farmers protect their produce and reduce difficulties during the weather disturbance.

Whole-of-Government Approach to Disaster Management

The review meeting was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Director General of Fire Services, Revenue Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Principal Secretary, Health Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner and other senior officials.

The Chief Minister instructed all departments to work together under a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

The administration has been asked to maintain communication, share information and ensure that emergency arrangements remain operational.

The objective is to prevent avoidable casualties, protect vulnerable communities and maintain essential services throughout the cyclone period.

Odisha Government Appeals for Public Cooperation

The state government’s preparations reflect its focus on early action, emergency response and coordinated disaster management.

With the cyclone expected around October 28, officials are continuing to monitor the weather situation and review arrangements in potentially affected districts.

The Chief Minister has urged departments to remain vigilant and ensure that precautionary measures are implemented effectively.

Residents are advised to follow official instructions, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and cooperate with evacuation arrangements whenever directed.

The government has reiterated that protecting human lives remains its foremost priority.

As Odisha prepares for the approaching cyclone, the administration is relying on emergency teams, medical services, infrastructure departments and public cooperation to reduce the impact of the natural disaster.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that collective efforts, timely preparedness and the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath would help the state achieve its goal of zero casualties once again.