India, Oct. 28 -- The Odisha government planned to move at least 48,000 people from low-lying and landslide-prone areas by Tuesday, October27, evening as "very severe" Cyclone Arnab neared the Andhra Pradesh coast, officials said.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P. Patil said about 11,000 people each would be shifted in Gajapati and Nabarangpur districts. Evacuations were under way in Malkangiri, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Nuapada.

Patil said 135 permanent and about 1,600 temporary shelters were ready. Pregnant women, older people, children and people with disabilities are being moved first. The government has set a "zero casualty" target, he said. Schools in eight districts were shut Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, ...