Odisha Prepares 60 ODRAF Teams Ahead of Cyclone Arnab

Odisha is preparing for Cyclone Arnab, which is forecast to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast around 28 October 2026 and intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. The state plans to deploy 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams in three phases, with about 20 teams already deployed by 26 October.

Cyclone warnings and port signals

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Odisha. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts are on high alert, with a red alert in force for these districts on 28 October and parts of Odisha on 29 October. The IMD has hoisted Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 at all ports in Odisha and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until 29 October. The IMD is India’s national weather agency and the World Meteorological Organization’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean.

Disaster response forces

ODRAF teams are being deployed in phases for ground-level preparedness and emergency response. The state has also placed six to eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 Fire Services teams on high alert. The NDRF is a specialised force for disaster response under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Odisha’s preparedness meetings involve senior officials, including Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. Authorities are coordinating response arrangements across the state.

Evacuation and district-level arrangements

Leave for district-level officers and staff in vulnerable areas has been cancelled. Round-the-clock control rooms are operating at district, block, tehsil and urban local body levels. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the five high-alert districts are scheduled to close on 28 and 29 October. Evacuations are underway for residents of kutcha houses, thatched huts and low-lying areas. Arrangements include assistance for pregnant women, senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides the statutory framework for disaster management in India.
• The National Disaster Response Force specialises in response to natural and man-made disasters.
• The IMD issues forecasts and warnings for tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean.
• Anganwadi centres operate under the Integrated Child Development Services framework.

The five districts on high alert are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Fishermen have been advised to remain ashore until 29 October 2026.