The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has placed its administrative machinery on high alert as cyclone Arnab is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to the city, preparing 56 rehabilitation centres and directing officials to identify and respond to vulnerable areas before conditions worsen.
During a teleconference with senior officials, zonal commissioners and departmental heads on Tuesday, GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg instructed departments to proactively monitor low-lying localities, hilly slopes and flood-prone zones. Officials were asked to alert residents in advance and relocate them when necessary, particularly in areas where inundation and landslides are likely during the cyclone’s impact.
The 56 rehabilitation centres have been equipped with drinking water, sanitation, food and other basic amenities. Additional commissioner PM Satyaveni has deployed staff to oversee the facilities. In the north zone, authorities have already shifted 25 families to Athithi Kalyana Mandapam, where food and accommodation have been arranged.
The civic body has also directed Town Planning officials to identify dilapidated buildings and relocate occupants where required. Dangerous hoardings and other unstable structures are to be removed because they could pose risks during strong winds and heavy rain. Officials are inspecting construction sites with deep excavations to prevent damage to neighbouring buildings.
GVMC has instructed all zones to keep JCBs, poclains, tippers, cranes, water pumps and generators on standby, along with adequate fuel stocks. The horticulture department will remain on round-the-clock alert to clear fallen trees and branches that could obstruct roads or disrupt traffic.
The preparedness measures also cover drinking water and public health. Officials have been asked to maximise reservoir storage, chlorinate water and stock treatment materials to maintain supplies during the cyclone threat. Drain desilting and cleaning have been intensified to reduce waterlogging, while public health and engineering departments will jointly monitor drainage systems, prevent sewage overflows and keep pumps ready at vulnerable locations.
The municipal commissioner has called for three-shift duty rosters to continue until the threat subsides. Special response teams have been formed in each zone, with sanitation workers and engineering staff directed to remain available for immediate deployment.
The response places the city’s most exposed urban systems—drainage, water supply, construction sites, roads and housing in vulnerable locations—under continuous monitoring. GVMC’s immediate operational priorities are resident relocation where necessary, protection of unstable structures, removal of road obstructions and rapid deployment of equipment and personnel as rainfall and wind conditions develop.
