Cyclone Arnab: A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclone 'Arnab' and is set to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28. Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and adjoining areas have already begun preparing to cope with the coming disaster.

While in Tamil Nadu, cyclone warnings have stopped fishing along the coast; in Odisha, the government intensified preparedness on Sunday. Even in West Bengal, fishermen were asked to stay alert and avoid activities near the coast.

ALSO READ: Bay Of Bengal Depression To Turn Into Cyclone 'Arnab', Bring Heavy Rains As Landfall Expected In Andhra On Oct 28

Power Utilities on High Alert In Andhra

Under the directives of Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, power utilities have been kept on high alert to avoid inconvenience in case of power disruptions. A teleconference was held between the Ministers and managing directors and chairpersons of power distribution companies to make sure officials are ready with measures to take during heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

Instructions were given to make sure field staff remain alert and ensure the department is fully prepared for emergencies. They stressed the importance of restoring power quickly in areas hit by disruptions and making advance arrangements to minimise loss of life and property.

Officials at the district, mandal and village levels were told to remain available and work closely with other departments for a swift response. The officials also informed the Ministers that 25,000 electric poles and other essential materials had already been stocked for emergencies, while the Southern Power Distribution Company had sent additional personnel to areas expected to face the worst impact.

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20 ODRAF Teams Deployed In Odisha

Meanwhile, in Odisha, around 20 ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) teams have been deployed to look after the preparedness measures. Officials have also laid out a three-phase plan under which 60 teams will be deployed. According to Odisha ADG, Sanjay Kumar, high-level meetings have been held between officials and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "The positive aspect is that Odisha is fully prepared. Our state and district administrations, in coordination with the police and our specialized response force, ODRAF, are completely ready," he told to ANI.

Cyclone Arnab may hit both south Odisha and upper catchment areas of Mahanadi. The state has ensured all the safety measures, including advance release of water from Hirakud.