Cyclone Arnab: Odisha steps up preparedness as storm intensifies over Bay of Bengal

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Bhubaneswar: A deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm named Arnab early on Monday, October 26, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to upgrade its warning for the Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts.

In its National Bulletin No. 8, based on observations at 5.30 am IST, the IMD said the storm was centred near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 88.9°E.

It was located approximately 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and had moved nearly westwards at around 15 kmph over the preceding six hours.

The weather department has forecast that Cyclone Arnab will move west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26, followed by further strengthening into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27 over the west-central Bay of Bengal.

The cyclone is expected to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.

At landfall, maximum sustained wind speeds are forecast to reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph.

Although the forecast indicates that the cyclone will make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, Odisha is preparing for significant weather impacts, particularly in its southern districts.

The IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds across vulnerable areas.

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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deputed eight ministers to oversee preparedness in Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and Gajapati.

The ministers will coordinate with district administrations and monitor emergency arrangements.

The IMD has issued a red warning for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places.

Other districts, including Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh and Sundargarh, have also been placed under an orange alert

The state government has stepped up disaster-response arrangements, with rescue teams on alert and preparations underway to move people from vulnerable and low-lying areas to safer locations if required.

Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the five red-alert districts are scheduled to remain closed on October 28 and 29. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea.

Authorities have urged residents to follow official IMD bulletins and local administration advisories as Cyclone Arnab continues to intensify.

The storm’s movement and the expected extent of its impact will be assessed through subsequent weather updates.

Also Read: Odisha deploys eight ministers to vulnerable districts as cyclone Arnab approaches

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