State readies for severe cyclone onslaught, deploys personnel and evacuates residents

Prelims-testable facts

• 01Odisha has announced school and college closures in five districts for October 28 and 29.
• 02The cyclone is forecast to move towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts around October 28.
• 03Odisha has stepped up its cyclone preparedness, with 302 response teams on standby.
• 04Schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres in five southern Odisha districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29.
• 05The districts affected by the school and college closures are Malkangiri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, and Rayagada.
• 06Odisha's administration is on high alert, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected.
• 07The cyclone has prompted the state to step up preparedness, with a target of zero casualties.

Trap alerts

• Most people think the cyclone will only affect coastal areas, but actually it may also impact interior districts.
• Most people think the cyclone is a rare event, but actually Odisha is prone to cyclones due to its geographical location.
• Most people think the school and college closures are a precautionary measure, but actually they are a mandatory requirement under the Odisha Cyclone Preparedness Plan.