Odisha: The India Meteorological Department has forecast that Cyclone Arnab will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow morning and a very severe cyclonic storm as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday. The Odisha government has stepped up preparedness, deploying eight ministers to oversee arrangements in vulnerable districts as heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned eight ministers, including the two Deputy Chief Ministers, to oversee preparedness in Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and Gajapati districts. Red warnings have been issued for all the southern districts for very heavy rainfall from tomorrow till Thursday. Some coastal districts will also experience very heavy rainfall under the impact of Cyclone Arnab. The state government has stepped up disaster-response arrangements, directed officials to remain alert and prioritised the safety of people in vulnerable areas
[AIR news]