Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Tank Ram Verma appeals to people to remain alert and follow safety instructions in view of the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab. Photo :channel24india.com
Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma calls public safety the highest priority; 24-hour flood control room available on toll-free number 1070
Key Highlights
- The state government has stepped up disaster preparedness in view of the possible effects of Cyclone Arnab.
- Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is possible in 12 districts on October 27 and 28, according to the state’s advisory.
- A total of 1,769 vulnerable villages have been identified across Chhattisgarh for priority preparedness.
- District collectors have been asked to identify unsafe houses and monitor reservoir levels.
- The state-level flood control room is operating round the clock; its toll-free number is 1070.
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has intensified its disaster management preparations as Cyclone Arnab approaches India’s eastern coast, with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Tank Ram Verma directing officials to keep public safety at the centre of their response.
According to information received from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Raipur, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is possible on October 27 and 28 in Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Bastar, Kanker, Mahasamund, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Balod and Raipur districts.
The state government has directed the administrations concerned to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure that precautionary arrangements are in place.
Public safety is the priority
Verma said the safety of citizens was the state government’s highest priority and asked officials to remain alert and ready to respond to any emergency arising from the cyclone’s possible effects and heavy rainfall.
The minister directed the administration to ensure that assistance reaches affected people promptly. He also called for close monitoring of vulnerable areas and readiness of disaster management arrangements.
Verma said timely information and advance preparation are essential to reduce potential damage. District collectors have been asked to identify dilapidated and unsafe houses that could collapse during strong winds or storm conditions and take necessary action.
They have also been directed to monitor water levels in reservoirs regularly. In the event that water is to be released, the state has instructed officials to inform the areas concerned 48 hours in advance.
1,769 vulnerable villages identified
As part of its preparedness exercise, the government has identified 1,769 villages across the state as vulnerable and has directed that they receive special attention in disaster planning.
Of these, 763 villages are in the 12 districts identified as highly vulnerable: Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Bastar, Kanker, Mahasamund, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Balod and Raipur.
A further 1,006 vulnerable villages have been identified across the remaining 21 districts, according to the state government’s release.
Flood control room active round the clock
The state-level flood control room is operating 24 hours a day to receive disaster-related information and help coordinate timely assistance. Citizens can contact it on the toll-free number:
1070
Weather warnings are also being disseminated through the Damini and Meghdoot mobile applications to help people remain alert to potential hazards.
Verma appealed to citizens to follow weather warnings, avoid unnecessary risks and comply with safety instructions issued by the administration. He said coordinated action by government agencies and public vigilance would help reduce the impact of a possible disaster.
Cyclone’s wider impact
At a National Crisis Management Committee meeting on October 26, central and state officials reviewed preparations for Cyclone Arnab. The Centre said the storm could affect parts of southern and central Chhattisgarh after approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Residents should continue to check the latest IMD bulletins and district administration advisories, as forecasts and local warnings may change. The IMD’s cyclone bulletin page carries official updates.
