Cyclone Alert / Flash Flood Warning in Odisha as Cyclone Arnab Weakens

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: Cyclone Arnab has weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, but Odisha continues to remain under the influence of the weather system, with authorities warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flash floods in several districts.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, Arnab has weakened from a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm to a Severe Cyclonic Storm after crossing the coast.

The system is expected to continue moving in a north-northwesterly direction over the next 48 hours while gradually losing strength. Meteorologists said it is likely to weaken into a cyclonic storm within the next six hours and further into a deep depression during the subsequent six hours.

Also read: Cyclone Arnab Weakens after Landfall, Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain

Despite the weakening trend, the cyclone's impact on Odisha is expected to remain significant. The weather office has warned of possible flash flood situations in five southern districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada — due to intense rainfall associated with the system.

Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said abundant moisture from the Bay of Bengal will continue to feed the system, making the next 24 hours crucial for Odisha from the rainfall perspective.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts. These areas are likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, winds of 60-80 kmph and gusts reaching up to 90 kmph.

An Orange Alert has also been sounded for Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir, Baragada, Puri, Khordha, Sonepur, Boudh and Nayagada districts. Moderate to heavy rainfall with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph are forecast in these regions.

Meanwhile, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who is overseeing preparedness in Gajapati district, said the administration is closely monitoring vulnerable areas for landslides and flood-like situations.

He stated that awareness campaigns are being conducted through public announcements and precautionary evacuation plans have been kept ready in sensitive locations.