Cyclone Arnab: Malkangiri on high alert, NDRF and ODRAF teams deployed
Schools, colleges and anganwadi centres to remain closed till October 29; evacuation arrangements put in place
By Krishnapada Ray
Kalimela (Malkangiri), Oct. 26: The Malkangiri district administration has stepped up preparedness to deal with the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab, putting emergency response teams and evacuation arrangements on alert.
A 30-member team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), led by a commandant and two deputy officers, is scheduled to reach Kalimela from Cuttack by Sunday night. A 36-member team of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has already arrived in Mathili and is on standby to respond to any emergency.
As a precautionary measure, District Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajashirke has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and anganwadi centres in the district until October 29. All sports activities currently being held at Satiguda have also been suspended.
The Collector has directed tehsildars to remain alert and make arrangements for the immediate evacuation of people living in low-lying areas and kutcha houses to safer locations, if required.
The administration has also instructed officials to ensure that all temporary cyclone shelters, along with the district’s four permanent cyclone shelters, are kept ready to accommodate people who may need to be evacuated.
The district administration is monitoring the situation and has intensified precautionary measures to minimise risks to life and property in the event of adverse weather conditions.
