The Bay of Bengal is witnessing intense weather activity as the deep depression has rapidly consolidated into Cyclone ‘Arnab’.
Following a high-level virtual review meeting led by the Union Cabinet Secretary, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg has confirmed that the state administration is fully prepared to tackle any eventualities, with a primary focus on southern and southwestern districts.
Current Status and Path
According to updates from the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) and ECMWF models as of October 26, 2026, Cyclone ‘Arnab’ was located roughly 685 kilometres away from Kakinada. Moving westwards at a speed of about 9 km/h, the system packs sustained winds of 65 km/h with stronger gusts up to 83 km/h.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that the system will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by tonight or tomorrow morning. It is expected to cross the Central Andhra Pradesh coast near the Yanam–Kakinada region during the early hours of October 28, packing fierce winds of 100 to 110 km/h and high gusts reaching 125 to 140 km/h. After landfall, the system is projected to weaken gradually while moving northwards toward South Chhattisgarh, passing near the Odisha border (Sukma-Bastar region) by October 29. Its eye is not expected to enter Odisha directly, but peripheral bands will heavily impact the state.
Impact on Odisha: Heavy Rains and Gusty Winds
While the direct landfall spares Odisha, the southern districts will bear the brunt of heavy to very heavy rainfall and gusty winds from October 27 to October 29:
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Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri have been placed on high alert.
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Winds: On October 28, Malkangiri may experience wind speeds touching 40–60 km/h with gusts up to 70 km/h. Neighbouring districts like Koraput, Rayagada, and Gajapati will face brisk winds ranging between 35 and 55 km/h.
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Rainfall: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted across southern districts, with extreme downpours likely in isolated pockets on October 28.
Government Measures and Precautions
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NDRF Deployment: A total of 11 NDRF teams have been mobilised for Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Odisha has deployed 4 dedicated teams (comprising 140 personnel) across Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Koraput.
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District Alerts: District collectors have been instructed to maintain constant vigilance. Coordination is also underway with Chhattisgarh authorities regarding upstream water management and reservoir releases.
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Tourism Restrictions: The Ganjam district administration has issued a strict ban on tourists visiting beaches across the district—including Gopalpur and Sunapur—from today until October 30.
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Advisory for Farmers & Fishermen: Farmers in southern Odisha have been advised to harvest mature paddy crops immediately, secure harvested grains, clear drainage channels, and move livestock to safer shelters. Fishermen are strictly prohibited from venturing into the sea until conditions normalise.
Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to stay updated through official weather bulletins and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by the local administration.
