Malkangiri: The Malkangiri district administration has stepped up disaster preparedness ahead of Cyclone ‘Arnab’, intensifying evacuation plans, deploying disaster response teams and putting measures in place to protect wildlife and tourist destinations, officials said on Tuesday.
Malkangiri Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke said the cyclone is expected to affect Motu, Kalimela and Podia blocks after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, before moving towards Sukma and Bastar in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 85-90 kmph, the Collector said, adding that the administration is prepared to deal with the situation, particularly the possibility of heavy rainfall.
Senior IAS officer and Director of Sports Dr Yeddula Vijay, who has been assigned responsibility for monitoring the situation in Malkangiri, visited vulnerable areas in Motu, Kalimela, Podia and Mathili blocks to assess preparedness measures.
He also held a meeting with senior officials at the Collector’s office to review the district’s response plan.
According to officials, four permanent shelters and 20 temporary shelters have been arranged across the district. Low-lying and landslide-prone areas have been identified, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been deployed in vulnerable locations.
The administration is prioritising the evacuation of children, elderly people and pregnant women from vulnerable areas as part of its zero-casualty strategy.
Officials are also monitoring 18 bridges that were submerged during previous floods to anticipate possible disruptions caused by heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department has prepared a separate plan to protect wildlife and tourist destinations during the cyclone.
Malkangiri Forest Division DFO Sai Kiran D N said 10 rapid response teams had been formed and deployed in vulnerable areas.
The teams will coordinate with NDRF and ODRAF personnel during rescue and relief operations, if required, he said.
The Forest Department is focusing on wildlife protection while taking steps to minimise the impact of the cyclone on people and property.
