Papadahandi, 30th Oct 2025: Hearing about the cyclone approaching Odisha in October, people have been gripped with fear. However, after information from the Indian Meteorological Department, which has placed Nabarangpur district in the Red Zone, the district and block administrations have announced preparedness to ensure zero damage.
But no one seems to understand the farmers’ distress. Thousands of hectares of land in the district have maize and paddy crops, which are now at the harvest stage. With the sea cyclone approaching, farmers’ anxiety has doubled. They cannot leave the crops in the field, nor can they store them safely anywhere. There are no protective sheds or tarpaulins to secure the harvest.
Such scenes are being witnessed in various villages of Papadahandi block. Farmers, who borrowed money to cultivate their golden crops, are now worried. The region’s farmers are mostly poor, and the crops they sowed on borrowed money were meant to feed their families for the year. In several villages, maize is being temporarily stored on village roads, main roads, and elevated areas due to lack of proper storage space.
The farmers are trusting God for protection. Meanwhile, the state government has announced safety measures for students in the Red Zone districts most likely to be affected by the sea cyclone. Schools and Anganwadi centers in 8 districts will remain closed from October 28 to 30, and all government officials and employees’ leaves have been cancelled.
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