Cyclone Arnab: Red Alert in Six Odisha Districts, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Persist

Cyclone Arnab: Red Alert in Six Odisha Districts, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Persist

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: Odisha remains on high alert as Cyclone Arnab continues to influence weather conditions across the state, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to several districts. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with disaster response teams deployed to minimise damage and protect lives.

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According to the report, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Warning for six districts, cautioning residents about extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds over the next 24 hours. The adverse weather could also affect road connectivity, low-lying areas and vulnerable locations.

Red Warning for Six Districts

Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam are among the districts identified under the Red Warning in the supplied report.

These areas may experience extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 50–70 kmph.

Several other districts, including Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh, are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with wind speeds potentially reaching 40–60 kmph.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious as the weather system continues to affect different parts of the state.

Orange Warning Issued for October 29

The weather threat is expected to continue in parts of Odisha on Thursday, October 29.

According to the supplied report, an Orange Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Bargarh districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall and winds of 40–60 kmph are forecast.

The movement of the weather system towards southern Chhattisgarh could prolong rainfall across several areas. Residents in vulnerable locations should remain alert and follow official weather advisories.

Odisha Strengthens Disaster Preparedness

The state government has intensified precautionary measures to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone.

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the cyclone’s landfall process began near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh at around 1:30 am. The system was expected to move north and northwest towards areas near Malkangiri after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.

The supplied report states that 313 emergency response teams have been deployed, including 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 244 Fire and Emergency Services teams.

Authorities have also taken precautionary steps in landslide-prone areas, including restricting access to certain roads. Fishing boats have reportedly returned to shore as part of the safety measures.

The state administration has prioritised the protection of lives and property, with further action to be taken according to changing weather conditions.

Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant

With heavy rainfall and strong winds likely to continue, residents in affected districts are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads and vulnerable structures, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

People living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas should remain particularly alert and move to safer locations if directed by officials.

The administration has reiterated its focus on preventing casualties and ensuring a coordinated emergency response as Odisha navigates the impact of Cyclone Arnab.