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20 ODRAF Units Mobilised as Authorities Focus on Evacuations, Road Clearance and Public Safety

Bhubaneswar, October 28, 2026: Odisha has stepped up its disaster response as cyclonic storm Arnab, accompanied by heavy rainfall and powerful winds, disrupts normal activities across several parts of the state. Southern Odisha has been among the areas facing significant challenges, with fallen trees, obstructed roads and disrupted communication links complicating movement and emergency assistance.

In response to the developing situation, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has launched large-scale rescue, evacuation and restoration operations. Disaster response teams are working alongside district administrations and police personnel to assist affected residents, remove obstacles from important routes and ensure that emergency services remain accessible.

According to the information provided by the authorities, 20 ODRAF units, comprising 60 sub-units, have been deployed across 14 districts. The mobilisation reflects the state’s efforts to strengthen its response network and ensure that trained personnel are available in areas where immediate intervention may be required.

ODRAF Teams Deployed Across 14 Districts

The rescue operation covers several districts affected by the storm, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khordha.

These districts include coastal locations, rural settlements and areas where heavy rain can create difficulties for road transport and access to essential services. The deployment of specialised teams is intended to help local authorities respond quickly to emergencies and minimise the risks faced by residents.

ODRAF personnel have also been positioned at vulnerable locations such as Berhampur, Bhanjanagar, Patrapur, Nuagada, Mohana, Mathili, Chitrakonda, Bissamcuttack, Raj Khariar, Brahmagiri, Kanas, Kakatpur, Udala, Badasahi and Balugaon.

Teams stationed at these locations are maintaining readiness to respond to rescue requests, assist stranded people and undertake clearance work wherever conditions permit. Coordination with district officials is helping authorities identify urgent requirements and direct resources towards affected communities.

Rescue and Evacuation Remain the Primary Objectives

Protecting human life is the central objective of the ongoing operation. ODRAF teams are assisting people trapped in waterlogged settlements and low-lying areas where accumulated rainwater has made movement difficult.

Residents in vulnerable locations may face additional risks when water levels rise, roads become impassable or access to nearby services is interrupted. Rescue personnel are therefore working to move people from unsafe surroundings to designated cyclone shelters and other secure locations, depending on local conditions.

Particular attention is being given to elderly residents, women, children and people who may require additional assistance during evacuation. The teams are also helping safeguard domestic animals, which are an important concern for households in rural and agricultural communities.

Moving people to safer places is only one part of the response. Once residents reach shelters, local authorities may need to arrange essential supplies, drinking water, food, sanitation facilities and medical support according to the needs of each location.

The effectiveness of these measures depends on coordination between rescue teams, district officials, health workers and other emergency services. Continuous assessment of local conditions is necessary to ensure that assistance reaches people who need it most.

Fallen Trees Disrupt Road Connectivity

Strong winds associated with Cyclone Arnab have reportedly uprooted trees in several areas, leaving portions of national highways and other roads blocked. Such obstructions can interrupt routine travel and delay the movement of ambulances, relief vehicles and emergency personnel.

ODRAF teams are working to remove fallen trees and other debris from affected routes. Restoring access to major roads is an important part of the operation because transportation links play a vital role in delivering supplies and reaching isolated communities.

Road clearance also helps local authorities assess damage and identify areas requiring additional assistance. However, restoration work can become difficult when rainfall continues, visibility is poor or damaged trees and unstable structures pose further risks.

Emergency teams must therefore balance the need to reopen routes quickly with the safety of personnel and the public. Residents should avoid approaching fallen trees, damaged electrical infrastructure or flooded road sections until the relevant authorities confirm that the area is safe.

The restoration of communication links is another priority. Reliable communication enables rescue teams to share information, coordinate deployments and alert authorities when fresh emergencies arise.

Senior Police Officials Monitor the Situation

The ongoing operations are being supervised under the direction of Sanjay Kumar, Additional Director General of Police for Law and Order, according to the information released about the response.

Range Inspectors General, Deputy Inspectors General and district Superintendents of Police are also monitoring the deployment and activities of ODRAF personnel within their respective jurisdictions.

This supervisory arrangement is intended to maintain coordination between the state-level police leadership and district-level response teams. It also allows authorities to review changing requirements and direct available resources towards locations where the situation demands immediate attention.

Disaster response operations often require several agencies to work simultaneously. Police personnel help manage public safety, while rescue teams concentrate on evacuation, emergency assistance and clearing access routes. District administrations coordinate local relief arrangements and assess the requirements of affected residents.

Timely communication among these agencies is particularly important when severe weather affects multiple districts at the same time.

Round-the-Clock Emergency Control Room Activated

To maintain continuous oversight, ODRAF has activated a 24-hour emergency control room. The facility is intended to monitor developments, receive and assess operational information and help coordinate the deployment of response teams.

Round-the-clock monitoring is especially important during a cyclone because weather conditions and local hazards can change rapidly. Areas that initially experience limited disruption may subsequently face waterlogging, blocked roads or other emergencies.

Information gathered through field teams and local authorities can help identify where assistance is most urgently required. Depending on the situation, personnel can be kept on standby or moved to locations where additional support is needed.

The control room also supports coordination by providing a central point for operational updates. Continuous monitoring allows authorities to maintain readiness beyond the initial period of severe weather, when restoration and relief requirements may continue.

Residents should use official emergency communication channels to report urgent incidents and follow verified instructions issued by the local administration.

DGP Praises ODRAF Personnel

Director General of Police Binaytosh Mishra has commended ODRAF personnel for their commitment, courage and dedication during the rescue and relief operation.

He has instructed personnel to give the highest priority to the protection of human lives and property. He has also emphasised the need for continued vigilance and readiness over the coming days, with teams expected to respond promptly to emergencies arising from the storm.

The direction highlights the importance of maintaining operational preparedness even after the immediate impact of severe weather begins to ease. Flooded roads, unstable trees and damaged infrastructure can continue to create hazards during the recovery period.

Rescue personnel must remain prepared to undertake additional evacuations, provide assistance to stranded residents and support the restoration of essential services as required.

Public Cooperation Essential During the Cyclone

Authorities’ response efforts can be strengthened when residents follow safety instructions and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous weather conditions.

People living in vulnerable or low-lying locations should pay attention to evacuation advisories and move to safer places when instructed by authorised officials. Residents should avoid crossing flooded roads or attempting to walk or drive through fast-moving water.

It is also important to stay away from fallen power lines and damaged electrical equipment. Even when a wire appears inactive, it may present a serious danger. Any such hazard should be reported to the relevant authorities rather than approached directly.

Families should keep essential medicines, drinking water, basic food supplies, identification documents and charged mobile phones ready when severe weather threatens their area. Residents should rely on official weather bulletins and district administration