Cyclone Impact / Cyclone Arnab Leaves Trail of Damage across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: Though Cyclone Arnab has weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, its impact continues to be felt across Odisha, with heavy rainfall, strong winds and widespread disruptions reported from several districts.

According to meteorologists, the cyclone is expected to move in a north-northwesterly direction over the next 48 hours. The system continues to draw large volumes of moisture from the Bay of Bengal, making the next 24 hours crucial from the rainfall perspective across Odisha.

The capital city, Bhubaneswar, witnessed squally winds and intense showers on Wednesday. Several large trees were uprooted and fell on roads, disrupting vehicular movement.

Also read: Flash Flood Warning in Odisha as Cyclone Arnab Weakens

Traffic came to a standstill on the Patia-Nandankanan road after fallen trees blocked the route, leading to a congestion stretch of nearly two kilometres. An ambulance was also caught in the traffic jam as fire service personnel worked to clear the road.

Massive Gajalaxmi Pandal Collapses

The cyclone's impact was also visible during the ongoing Gajalaxmi Puja celebrations. A giant 80-foot Gajalaxmi pandal, claimed to be one of the largest in Odisha, collapsed at Club Town Ground near Damana.

Strong gusty winds reportedly twisted the structure and the decorative gateway before bringing them down. No casualties were immediately reported.

173 Trees Uprooted Across Districts

Fire Services IG Umashankar Dash said emergency teams have been working round the clock to remove fallen trees and restore normalcy. He informed that calls received through the emergency helpline indicated that 173 trees had fallen, blocking roads in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts.

A total of 228 fire service teams have been placed on alert across Odisha, including 126 teams deployed in southern districts, where the cyclone's impact has been most severe.

Officials said rescue teams remain prepared for evacuation operations in low-lying areas as heavy rainfall continues. Authorities have advised people to remain indoors and follow weather updates as the state braces for further rainfall over the next 24 hours.