Bhubaneswar, 26 October (H.S.): Odisha Police has placed all seven districts under its Central Range on high alert in view of the approaching Cyclone Arnab and forecasts of heavy rainfall, strong winds and waterlogging. The districts are Cuttack Rural, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, Nayagarh and Puri.

Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Cuttack, Dr Satyajit Naik, reviewed the preparedness measures and directed all district Superintendents of Police to ensure comprehensive preventive arrangements in close coordination with the district administrations, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and other concerned agencies.

Emphasising that the protection of human life and property must remain the foremost priority, the IG directed police officials to maintain a high level of preparedness and ensure that no gaps remain in emergency response arrangements.

Police personnel have been deployed in vulnerable, low-lying, flood-prone and coastal areas to facilitate a prompt response to emergencies. Four ODRAF teams have been stationed in Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khordha districts to strengthen disaster-response capabilities.

Police personnel are also assisting the district administrations in evacuating residents from vulnerable locations and shifting them to designated cyclone shelters. Special attention is being given to the elderly, children, women, pregnant women and persons with disabilities to ensure their safe evacuation.

To minimise disruptions during the cyclone, police have been directed to regulate traffic and ensure the prompt clearance of waterlogged roads and fallen trees. Efforts will be made to maintain unobstructed passage for ambulances, fire tenders, relief vehicles and other emergency services.

In areas from which residents have been evacuated, police will maintain visible deployment, regular patrolling and night surveillance to prevent theft, looting and other unlawful activities.

District Police Control Rooms have been placed on round-the-clock alert to receive distress calls and coordinate immediate assistance. Police are also maintaining close coordination with the Fire Services, Health Department, Electricity Department, Works Department and other agencies to facilitate the swift restoration of essential services after the cyclone passes.

A special coastal alert has been issued for Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Puri districts. Police will focus on safeguarding pilgrims and tourists while ensuring that people do not venture onto beaches or into the sea during the period of heightened risk.

Authorities are also monitoring vulnerable coastal locations and taking precautionary measures to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

Odisha Police has appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid panic and rely only on official weather bulletins and government advisories. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded roads, waterlogged areas, fallen trees, electric poles and loose electrical wires.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to move to designated cyclone shelters promptly whenever instructed by the authorities. The police have also cautioned the public against spreading or forwarding rumours and unverified information on social media, warning that strict action will be taken against those found circulating false information.

In case of an emergency, citizens can contact their nearest police station or the District Police Control Room, or dial the emergency helpline 112.

Odisha Police has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the Central Range and assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to respond effectively to the impending cyclone.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda