Malkangiri: The Malkangiri district administration has intensified precautionary measures to deal with the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab, prioritising public safety and strengthening emergency response arrangements across the district.
District Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajshirke on Monday visited the border areas of Motu to review preparedness measures. He also inspected cyclone shelters at Motu, Girikanpalli and Kanyashram, assessing accommodation arrangements and other essential facilities for people who may need to be evacuated.
As part of the precautionary measures, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the district will remain closed till October 29. All liquor shops have also been ordered to remain shut from October 27 to 29. The administration has further directed the immediate removal of temporary tents and pandals in both urban and rural areas to minimise risks during adverse weather conditions.
Public awareness campaigns are being conducted across villages through public address systems to alert residents about the approaching weather system and necessary safety precautions.
Disaster response forces from the national and state levels, along with emergency response teams, have been deployed at vulnerable locations, including along the Bondaghat–Khairput to Mudulipada road, to facilitate prompt rescue and relief operations.
To ensure effective monitoring and coordination, senior officers have been assigned specific areas of responsibility. The Sub-Collector will oversee Mathili, the Project Director will monitor Malkangiri, the Additional District Magistrate (Administration) will supervise Kalimela, and the Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) will oversee Chitrakonda.
Special arrangements are also being made to safeguard pregnant women during the emergency. Expectant mothers are being shifted to nearby hospitals or shelters, while the district’s Mother’s Homes have been activated and their coordinators placed on alert.
Appealing to residents to remain calm, the Collector said the administration was fully prepared to tackle the possible cyclone and protect every citizen. He urged people not to panic, to remain patient and to strictly follow safety advisories issued by the authorities.
The district administration has assured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
