Nabarangpur, Oct 26 [UDN}:: In view of the Orange Warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rainfall in Nabarangpur district on October 27 and 28, 2026, District Collector Smt. Madhumita chaired a virtual preparedness meeting with district administration officials and Water Resources Department officials from Chhattisgarh to review precautionary measures and strengthen coordination for managing potential rain-related emergencies.
The meeting focused on ensuring public safety, maintaining coordination between departments, facilitating timely communication regarding dam operations and water discharge, arranging precautionary evacuations in vulnerable areas, and ensuring the readiness of emergency response services.
Officials from NMDC, Chhattisgarh, Jagdalpur, the Chhattisgarh Water Resources Department, the Odisha State Headquarters Water Resources Department, and the Muram Dam administration participated in the meeting. All district-level officers, Block Development Officers (BDOs), and Tahsildars of Nabarangpur district also attended.
During the meeting, the District Collector requested the cooperation of the concerned Chhattisgarh government officials to ensure timely information sharing and coordinated action in the event of heavy rainfall, rising water levels, or other potentially critical situations. Special emphasis was placed on advance communication regarding the opening and closing of dam gates and water discharge schedules so that the district administration could take timely preventive measures and protect residents of vulnerable areas.
Following the meeting, the Collector directed all BDOs to identify vulnerable locations in every village under their respective blocks and submit detailed micro-plans by 3 PM on October 24. The plans must clearly specify identified risk-prone areas, designated shelters, transportation arrangements for rescue and evacuation, responsible nodal officers, and emergency response mechanisms.
### At least 10 shelters to be prepared in every block
The Collector instructed every block to identify and fully prepare at least 10 suitable shelters located on elevated ground. These facilities must be equipped with drinking water, food supplies, dry rations, medicines, lighting, and sanitation facilities. Polythene sheets and other essential relief materials must also be stocked in advance to meet emergency requirements.
Mandatory advance evacuation will be carried out in low-lying areas that have experienced flooding in the past. Particular attention will be given to flood-prone locations in Kosagumuda, Nabarangpur, Nandahandi, and Tentulikhunti blocks.
The Water Resources Department, Muram Dam officials, and the concerned authorities of the Chhattisgarh government have been instructed to maintain close coordination with the Nabarangpur district administration. Formal advance information regarding dam gate operations and water releases must be communicated to the district administration, concerned BDOs, and Tahsildars sufficiently ahead of time.
Authorities will also conduct public awareness campaigns through loudspeakers in vulnerable villages to inform residents about potential risks, necessary precautions, and evacuation arrangements.
### Round-the-clock emergency response and deployment of ODRAF teams
The Collector directed that 24-hour emergency helplines, operating on a roster basis, remain functional across all blocks and urban areas. Coordination centres comprising officials from different departments will also operate in every block to ensure a prompt and coordinated response to emergencies.
As part of the disaster preparedness arrangements, one Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team will be stationed in Nabarangpur, while two ODRAF teams will be deployed in Kosagumuda block. Rescue boats, firefighting equipment, and other emergency machinery must be kept in fully operational condition.
### Special arrangements for pregnant women and children
The district administration has also prioritised the safety of pregnant women and children in vulnerable areas. Officials have been instructed to prepare a list of all pregnant women whose expected delivery dates fall within the next three weeks and coordinate with nearby health facilities. Advance relocation will be arranged wherever necessary.
Anganwadi workers will conduct door-to-door visits in vulnerable areas and distribute dry rations to children to ensure that essential food supplies remain accessible during the period of heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
### Removal of dangerous trees and deployment of machinery
The Collector directed the removal of dangerous and weakened trees in coordination with the Fire Services Department by the evening of October 25. Separate teams will be formed at block and panchayat levels to clear fallen trees and other obstructions from roads.
The Works Department and Rural Development Department will position necessary machinery, including JCB excavators, at vulnerable locations to facilitate the rapid clearance of roads and restore connectivity in the event of disruptions.
Executive Officers of all urban local bodies have been instructed to ensure the cleaning of drains, proper functioning of drainage systems, removal of dangerous trees, and arrangements for drinking water supply through tankers wherever required.
### Electricity infrastructure and essential services under close monitoring
Personnel of Tata Power have been directed to conduct advance inspections of electricity poles, power lines, transformers, and substations. Necessary repairs and precautionary measures must be completed to minimise the risk of power disruptions and electrical accidents during heavy rainfall.
All BDOs, Tahsildars, and Executive Officers will coordinate with local public representatives, visit flood-prone areas, and inform residents about safety precautions and evacuation procedures.
Every department must appoint nodal officers responsible for the supply of food, drinking water, transportation, sanitation, lighting, and essential equipment. All officials have also been instructed to keep their mobile phones operational around the clock and maintain continuous communication with the district administration.
Concluding the meeting, Collector Madhumita directed all departments to remain alert and ensure the prompt implementation of the preparedness instructions. She emphasised that the protection of human life, timely evacuation from vulnerable locations, and effective coordination between Odisha and Chhattisgarh would remain the highest priorities in dealing with the anticipated heavy rainfall and any resulting emergency.
The district administration is taking these precautionary measures to strengthen disaster readiness, minimise potential damage, and ensure that emergency assistance reaches affected residents without delay.
