Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: Uncertainty over the projected movement of Cyclone Arnab has heightened concerns in Odisha, with five districts expected to face the impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds as the weather system approaches the eastern coast. The cyclone is forecast to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, but authorities remain alert to possible changes in its trajectory.
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According to reports based on meteorological updates, the system may move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast before potentially changing direction and affecting parts of Odisha. The evolving forecast has prompted the state government to intensify preparations, particularly in southern districts considered vulnerable to severe weather.
The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm on Monday, October 26. Rainfall and strong winds are likely to affect parts of Odisha from October 27, with conditions potentially worsening as the system approaches land.
Eight NDRF Teams Mobilised Across Odisha
As part of the preparedness measures, eight teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across vulnerable areas to respond to emergencies.
The teams have been positioned in six districts: Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur and Puri. Ganjam has been assigned two teams to strengthen the response capacity in an area facing potential weather-related risks.
The deployment is intended to ensure that rescue personnel can respond promptly to emergencies, including flooding, damage caused by strong winds and the need to evacuate people from vulnerable locations.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on southern Odisha, where at least five districts are expected to face significant weather impacts. Wind speeds associated with the approaching system could reach up to 140 kmph, according to the supplied report.
Suresh Pujari Reviews Preparedness Measures
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the system was expected to make landfall near Visakhapatnam on October 28 before moving south-westwards, potentially affecting Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The minister said senior officers and state ministers had been assigned to vulnerable districts to supervise preparedness and coordinate response measures.
Arrangements have also been made for relief centres, cooked food, medicines and healthcare services to support people who may need assistance during the emergency.
Pujari urged residents not to panic and advised them to follow instructions issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC). He also stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable family members and shifting to designated relief centres whenever authorities advise evacuation.
The government’s stated objective is to manage the situation while preventing loss of life.
Changing Forecast Keeps Authorities on Alert
The possibility of a change in the cyclone’s path remains a key concern for disaster management officials. Although the current projection points to landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, any subsequent shift could alter the areas exposed to intense rainfall and strong winds.
Even without a direct landfall in Odisha, the state could experience adverse weather as the system moves across the region. Heavy rainfall may disrupt transport, affect low-lying areas and create difficulties for communities in vulnerable locations.
Officials are therefore preparing for possible emergencies while monitoring updates on the system’s intensity, direction and expected landfall.
Residents Urged to Follow Official Advisories
Residents in potentially affected districts have been advised to remain alert and follow weather bulletins and instructions issued by the IMD and local administrations.
People should avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay away from flooded areas and water bodies, and cooperate with evacuation instructions if issued. Fishermen and those involved in marine activities should strictly follow official safety advisories.
With October 28 approaching, Odisha’s preparedness will depend on timely weather updates, coordinated emergency response and public cooperation. Authorities continue to monitor the developing system as they prepare to minimise the potential impact on vulnerable communities.