Anu Garg Briefs Centre on Odisha’s Cyclone Arnab Preparedness, 3,000 Pregnant Women Identified for Safety

Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: Odisha has intensified preparations for Cyclone Arnab, with senior officials deployed in five vulnerable southern districts, emergency response teams on alert and around 3,000 pregnant women identified for evacuation or hospital care.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg briefed the Union Cabinet Secretary on the state’s preparedness during a review meeting on Monday. The Power and Water Resources departments have been directed to remain alert and ensure a prompt response.

Garg said fishermen who had ventured into the sea had returned, as confirmed by the Coast Guard. The state is also coordinating with Chhattisgarh over possible heavy rainfall in the Bastar region and the regulated release of water from dams.

The Centre has assured additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams if required, she added.

State Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said 135 permanent shelters and 1,600 temporary shelters had been readied to accommodate people in vulnerable areas.