Odisha gears up for possible cyclone: 30 ODRAF, NDRF teams deployed across 5 districts, schools to remain closed

25 Oct 2026, 15:24 by Himanshu · KalingaTV

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified preparedness across five southern districts in view of a possible cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, with 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed to tackle potential emergencies.

According to the weather forecast cited by the administration, the cyclone is likely to make landfall on October 28 along the coast between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha, with a greater possibility of crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.

The system is expected to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in several parts of Odisha, particularly in the southern districts.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been identified as the five districts most likely to be affected. Other coastal districts may also experience rainfall under the influence of the weather system.

As a precautionary measure, the state government has decided to keep schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres closed in these five districts on October 28 and 29.

30 disaster response teams deployed across five districts

The administration has deployed a total of 30 disaster response teams, comprising 24 ODRAF and six NDRF teams, across the five vulnerable districts.

According to the deployment plan, Ganjam has received the highest number of teams, with nine ODRAF and two NDRF units.

In Gajapati, six ODRAF and one NDRF team have been deployed, while Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been allocated three ODRAF and one NDRF team each.

Leaves of officials cancelled, 24-hour control rooms activated

In view of the possible cyclone, the administration has cancelled the leave of district-level officials and directed them to remain at their respective headquarters.

Round-the-clock control rooms have been activated at District Emergency Operation Centres and at the block, tehsil and municipal levels to coordinate disaster response activities.

Toll-free emergency services and district-specific helpline numbers have also been made available to the public.

Nodal officers have been assigned responsibilities in flood-prone areas, while dedicated WhatsApp groups have been created to facilitate communication and coordination among officials and field personnel.

Evacuation of vulnerable people underway

Keeping the state government’s **zero-casualty target** in mind, the administration has begun identifying people living in kutcha houses, temporary shelters and low-lying areas for evacuation to safer locations.

Cyclone and flood shelters have been kept ready to accommodate people who may need to be relocated.

Special attention is being given to pregnant women whose expected delivery dates are approaching. Such women are being identified and shifted in advance to nearby hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

Separate arrangements have also been made for elderly people, children and persons with disabilities.

Fishing activities restricted, tourist movement curbed

As part of precautionary measures, restrictions have been imposed on fishing activities in the sea.

The administration has also restricted tourist movement to hills, waterfalls, dams and other tourist destinations in the five southern districts due to the possibility of heavy rainfall, landslides and other weather-related hazards.

Residents and tourists have been advised to follow official instructions and avoid visiting vulnerable locations during adverse weather conditions.

Farmers advised to harvest mature crops

With the harvesting season approaching, the Agriculture Department has advised farmers to immediately harvest crops that have reached 80–85 per cent maturity.

Farmers have been asked to harvest paddy, maize, millets and other mature crops and store them in safe locations to minimise potential losses from heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Agricultural helpline facilities have also been made available to provide necessary guidance and assistance.

Health, drinking water and power restoration measures

The administration has initiated measures to ensure safe drinking water through chlorination and other water purification arrangements.

Hospitals and health centres have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, including anti-snake venom and chlorine tablets.

Additional equipment and manpower have been kept ready for the restoration of electricity and communication networks in the event of disruption.

Special arrangements for livestock

The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department has also been asked to take necessary steps to protect livestock during the possible cyclone.

Arrangements are being made to shift animals to safer locations wherever required.

Mobile veterinary teams will provide emergency medical assistance, while fodder distribution facilities will be arranged in affected areas.

Administration appeals to people to avoid rumours

The state government and district administrations have appealed to the public to remain alert and strictly follow official advisories.

People have been urged not to believe or circulate rumours regarding the cyclone and to rely on verified information issued by the India Meteorological Department and the administration.

Authorities have reiterated that all necessary arrangements are being made to minimise damage and ensure the safety of people in vulnerable areas.

Odisha gears up for possible cyclone: 30 ODRAF, NDRF teams deployed across 5 districts, schools to remain closed

Also read: Odisha govt assigns 5 senior IAS officers to vulnerable districts to prepare for possible Cyclone…