Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast early on Wednesday, unleashing heavy rain and destructive winds across the region, while several districts of Odisha experienced intense rainfall, waterlogging and damage amid heightened disaster-management measures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the very severe cyclonic storm crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, southwest of Yanam, between 2 am and 8 am.
The system made landfall with sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph before weakening into a severe cyclonic storm.
Despite the weakening, the weather system continued to pose a threat to Odisha, particularly its southern districts, where heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was forecast.
The IMD issued a red warning for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur, warning of isolated extremely heavy rainfall.
Winds of 60–70 kmph, with gusts reaching 80–85 kmph in some areas, were also forecast.
Several northern coastal districts could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Gajapati and Ganjam have recorded intense rainfall, with IMD data showing rainfall of 249.9 mm at a station in Gajapati district.
Intermittent rain has also affected Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Dhenkanal and Berhampur.
The downpour has raised concerns over flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing streams, road disruptions and landslides in vulnerable hilly regions.
Strong winds could uproot trees, damage fragile houses and disrupt electricity supplies.
The Odisha government stepped up precautionary measures, evacuating more than 30,000 people from vulnerable locations, including low-lying and landslide-prone areas.
Disaster-response teams and local administrations were mobilised to deal with emergencies and assist affected residents.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi monitored relief and restoration operations at Lok Seva Bhawan, while Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visited Koraput district and distributed relief materials to people affected by the cyclone.
Andhra Pradesh bore the direct impact of the cyclone, with reports of uprooted trees, damaged houses and disrupted power supplies.
At least three deaths were reported there in initial assessments, while authorities began evaluating the extent of the destruction.
The IMD said Arnab was likely to move north-northwestwards and weaken gradually.
Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea until October 29.
Authorities urged residents to follow official advisories, avoid flooded roads and remain indoors during strong winds.
Although the cyclone has weakened, continued rainfall could prolong the risk of flooding and landslides across affected districts.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
