Odisha has reported an increase in the death toll from Cyclone Arnab, which reached six on Sunday. This rise followed the recovery of two bodies from a village affected by landslides in the southern region of the state. Officials are currently searching for ten individuals who remain unaccounted for. The village of Gidipabali, located on the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, was severely impacted when significant amounts of sludge and debris cascaded down the hills, obliterating homes.

In total, Cyclone Arnab has affected approximately 1.18 lakh people in Odisha, damaging 75,388 hectares of agricultural land and destroying 1,672 houses. The Special Relief Commissioner, Rajesh P Patil, highlighted that at least ten landslide incidents were reported during the cyclone, posing a significant challenge for the state’s disaster response efforts.

Efforts to provide relief and restoration are being conducted at an urgent pace, particularly in the districts most impacted by the cyclone. Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan confirmed that at least 13 individuals who managed to escape the landslide are currently sheltered at a relief centre near G Udaygiri.

Preparations for Cyclone Murasu Intensify

As Odisha braces for the impending Cyclone Murasu, the government is executing preparations on multiple fronts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this new storm is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with landfall anticipated on the night of November 2-3, between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds may reach between 100-110 kmph, with gusts potentially hitting 120 kmph.

Manorama Mohanty, the director of the meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar, stated that Odisha will begin to experience rainfall from November 2, with increasing intensity expected on November 3, continuing through November 4. The government has already issued a high alert in southern regions, particularly in Ganjam, which suffered greatly from Cyclone Arnab.

Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reassured the public of the government’s readiness to address the upcoming cyclone. He confirmed that arrangements made for Cyclone Arnab have been retained and enhanced to effectively manage the situation. Evacuations from low-lying and hilly areas have been ordered to ensure public safety ahead of Cyclone Murasu’s arrival.

Relief Package Announced for Affected Families

In response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and announced a special relief package for impacted families. Each family affected by the floods will receive 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500, along with additional financial support for crop losses and damage to homes and livelihoods.

Majhi indicated that the relief package would be reassessed after Cyclone Murasu passes, ensuring that further assistance can be tailored to the evolving situation. Disaster response forces are on standby, and low-lying areas are being monitored closely. Fishermen have been strongly advised against venturing into the sea during this period.

An eight-member inter-ministerial central team is scheduled to visit Odisha from November 2 to 4 to evaluate the damage inflicted by Cyclone Arnab. The government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens as they navigate through these challenging circumstances.

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