New Delhi: Odisha has sounded a red alert in five southern districts as Cyclone Arnab is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, bringing extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk of landslides in parts of the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that although the cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, Odisha will experience significant weather disturbances, particularly in its southern districts.
The weather system over the east central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26, strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm on October 27 and become a very severe cyclonic storm before reaching the Andhra Pradesh coast the following morning.
At landfall, wind speeds are forecast to reach 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph. In Odisha, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are under a red alert for October 28, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall and winds of 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast for Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Bargarh and Nuapada. Rainfall activity is expected to continue across several areas on October 29 before weakening substantially from October 30. Heavy rainfall in hilly regions could trigger landslides.
Odisha Mobilises 225 Rescue Teams
The state government has intensified disaster preparedness measures, cancelling leave for personnel involved in emergency response and placing rescue teams on high alert.
Odisha has proposed deploying 225 rescue teams across vulnerable regions, with coverage planned at the block headquarters level. The teams have been equipped with 225 vehicles, 1,510 high power chainsaws, 25 rescue tenders, 12 plasma cutters and 225 tower lights to support emergency operations, including during nighttime.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued maritime warnings, with Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 hoisted at all Odisha ports. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough, with winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph along the coast.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until October 29 as authorities prepare for the cyclone’s impact.
