Cyclone ‘Arnab’ Preparedness Reviewed in Malkangiri: Minister Nityananda Gond Directs ODRAF Deployment at Mathili and Strict Monitoring of Vulnerable Pangam Bridge

Bhubaneswar,  Oct 28 [UDN}:  Odisha’s Minister for School and Mass Education; Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development; Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare; and Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Shri Nityananda Gond, visited Malkangiri district to review preparedness for the potential threats posed by Cyclone ‘Arnab’. During his visit, the Minister conducted an on-the-ground assessment of the prevailing situation and reviewed the emergency response arrangements to ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.

As part of the inspection, the Minister visited the Dungiaput Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter in Mathili Block, where he reviewed the preparedness measures in coordination with senior IAS officer Dr. Yedula Vijay, who is overseeing cyclone management, and the Malkangiri District Collector. He inspected the availability of essential facilities at the shelter and ensured that adequate arrangements had been made for food, drinking water and healthcare services to meet the needs of people who might be evacuated in the event of an emergency.

Considering the possibility of flooding and the potential impact of heavy rainfall, the Minister directed the authorities to deploy an Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team at Mathili to facilitate a swift response to any emergency. He also instructed officials to maintain strict surveillance over the vulnerable Pangam Bridge, emphasising the need for precautionary measures to prevent accidents and ensure the safe movement of people during adverse weather conditions.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to achieving zero casualties, Minister Gond stressed the importance of coordinated action, advance preparedness and effective emergency management by all concerned departments. He urged the district administration and emergency response teams to remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to protect lives and property.

The Minister also appealed to the public not to panic but to remain alert, follow official advisories and cooperate with the administration. He emphasised that the government machinery was fully prepared to respond to the potential cyclone-related challenges, with public safety remaining the highest priority.