As the wind gathers speed along Odisha’s coast, preparedness begins long before the first tree falls or the first road floods.

For a family living in a low-lying village, it could mean knowing which shelter to reach. For a pregnant woman, it could mean moving closer to a health centre before roads become impassable.

Cyclone Arnab has caused extensive damage along the Andhra Pradesh coast, while parts of Odisha continue to experience intermittent rainfall and strong winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the next 24 hours will be crucial, with the storm expected to move across Odisha towards southern Chhattisgarh, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The immediate priority is to protect lives. But Odisha’s response also reflects a decade of learning to live with cyclones. What does that learning look like on the ground?

When the warning turns into action

The IMD has issued a red warning for six Odisha districts: Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam. Extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, is forecast in these areas.

The initial alert cited wind speeds of 50–70 kmph in the six districts, while broader forecasts for the affected areas have indicated the possibility of stronger winds.

Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with winds reaching 40–60 kmph.

Here is what Odisha has done so far: 

Rail services have been disrupted, with more than 60 services reportedly cancelled across the affected network and others modified. Distant Warning Signal Number Two has been hoisted at Paradip and Dhamra ports, while Puri and Gopalpur ports have Local Cautionary Signal Number Three.

Rail services have been disrupted, with more than 60 services reportedly cancelled across the affected network and others modified. Distant Warning Signal Number Two has been hoisted at Paradip and Dhamra ports, while Puri and Gopalpur ports have Local Cautionary Signal Number Three.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea........

© The Better India