Cyclone Arnab began disrupting normal life in parts of Odisha on Tuesday, with heavy rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms reported as the system moved towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, where it is expected to make landfall on Wednesday.
Several coastal and southern parts of Odisha witnessed deteriorating weather conditions, while reports of rain and strong winds raised concerns over road travel, local transport and the movement of essential supplies. The adverse weather conditions have prompted the state government to intensify preparedness measures, with district administrations and emergency response agencies kept on alert.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha, with the southern districts likely to bear the brunt of the weather system. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are among the districts under a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on October 28.
According to the IMD’s forecast, the cyclone is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm. The system is expected to pack maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, at the time of landfall.
Although the storm is forecast to make landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha is likely to experience significant rainfall and strong winds as the system moves inland.
The weather office has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several other districts on October 28, including parts of Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Bargarh and Nuapada. Rainfall activity is expected to continue in parts of the state on October 29.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed all departments and district administrations to remain alert and ensure that every precaution is taken to prevent loss of life and minimise damage to property.
At a preparedness review meeting, the Chief Minister instructed officials to facilitate the movement of vulnerable residents from low-lying areas to safe shelters and ensure that pregnant women and patients requiring medical attention are shifted to healthcare facilities wherever necessary.
The state government has kept 302 rescue teams ready for relief and rescue operations. Departments responsible for roads, electricity and drinking water have also been instructed to prepare for the restoration of essential services in the event of disruptions.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department is monitoring the evolving situation, while district-level control rooms have been activated to coordinate emergency responses.
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari is overseeing preparedness from Lok Seva Bhawan, the state secretariat. The government has also deputed senior officers to vulnerable districts to supervise preparedness and coordinate response measures.
Eight ministers have been asked to remain stationed in districts considered vulnerable to the cyclone’s impact, according to reports on the government’s preparedness arrangements.
In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall, the state government has ordered the closure of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts on October 28 and 29.
In other districts, the respective Collectors will decide on the closure of educational institutions after assessing local weather conditions and the likely impact of the cyclone.
The administration has also been advised to ensure the availability of essential medicines, medical equipment and other supplies at healthcare facilities in vulnerable areas.
Fishermen barred from venturing into the sea
Fishing activities have been restricted along and off the Odisha coast, as the sea is expected to remain rough to very rough or high in parts of the coastal waters.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal or into waters along and off the coasts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Yanam during the warning period.
Fishing boats have been brought back to shore and kept at designated jetties and harbours. The Ganjam district administration has closed beaches, including the popular tourist destinations of Gopalpur and Sonapur, to visitors until October 30.
As many as 186 fishermen from Andhra Pradesh and the Paradip area of Kendrapada district took shelter at Gopalpur port and the Arjyapalli fishing jetty in Ganjam, according to local reports.
The administration has been asked to ensure that no fishermen or tourists venture into the sea during this period of heightened risk.
Civil services examinations rescheduled
The impending cyclone has also affected the examination schedule. The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has rescheduled certain papers of the Odisha Civil Services Main Examination-2025.
The Odia and English language papers, originally scheduled for October 30, have been shifted to October 31, while the Essay paper has been postponed to November 5. The other examination dates will remain unchanged, as specified by the Commission.
Candidates have been advised to check the OPSC website for the revised examination programme and further instructions.
Residents urged to remain cautious
With the cyclone expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, Odisha’s disaster management machinery remains on alert for heavy rainfall, localised flooding, waterlogging, possible landslides in hilly areas and damage to infrastructure.
The IMD has cautioned that extremely heavy rainfall in southern districts could disrupt road connectivity and other essential services.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to follow official weather bulletins and instructions issued by district administrations, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rain and strong winds, and stay away from rivers, flooded roads, beaches and other hazardous locations.
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