Cyclone ‘Arnab’, currently brewing over the Bay of Bengal, is rapidly intensifying into a severe storm. Located about 580 kilometres away from Gopalpur, the system is moving westward at a speed of 15 km/h.
Currently, sustained wind speeds near the centre are 65–75 km/h, gusting up to 85 km/h. It is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight and further into a very severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow.
IMD Weather Forecast
Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, Manorama Mohanty, stated that southern Odisha will experience winds ranging from 60 to 70 km/h, with gusts up to 80 km/h due to the outer bands of the cyclone. Landfall is expected between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the forenoon of October 28. During landfall, wind speeds are projected to reach 115–125 km/h, gusting up to 140 km/h.
Rainfall activity will commence in Odisha by the evening or night of October 27, turning heavy to extremely heavy in isolated pockets on October 28, accompanied by risks of landslides and crop damage.
IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra added that post-landfall, the system is expected to weaken into a deep depression by October 29, moving towards Chhattisgarh before dissipating by the morning of October 30.
Comprehensive State Preparations and High-Level Review
Chief Secretary Anu Garg briefed the Union Cabinet Secretary during a virtual review meeting regarding the state’s robust preparedness. Senior ministers and high-ranking officials have been deployed across five vulnerable southern districts. The Energy and Water Resources departments have been placed on high alert. Coast Guard coordination has ensured that all fishermen have returned safely from the sea. Over 3,000 pregnant women are being proactively relocated to safe shelters and hospitals. A dedicated team has also been formed to monitor dam water levels in coordination with Chhattisgarh.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil noted that 135 permanent and 1,600 temporary cyclone shelters have been fully equipped. “The government is fully prepared. There is no need to panic,” he urged.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari affirmed that the state administration has initiated comprehensive safety measures across all 30 districts, aiming for a zero-casualty target.
Deployment of NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services
To handle emergency response, 11 NDRF teams (comprising around 360 personnel) have been dispatched from Munduli. Out of these, 4 teams (140 personnel) are actively stationed in Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Koraput. Three teams are stationed in Chhattisgarh and four in Andhra Pradesh.
At the state level, 60 ODRAF teams are being deployed in phases, with 20 teams currently operational. Ganjam has been allocated 9 teams, Gajapati 6, while Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri have 3 teams each, alongside deployments in Nabarangpur and other districts.
Additionally, 225 Fire Service teams equipped with specialised rescue tools are on standby to clear blocked roads, cut fallen trees, and execute immediate rescue operations.
As a precautionary measure, all beaches in Ganjam district will remain closed to tourists starting today through October 30.
Citizens are earnestly requested to rely exclusively on official government advisories and adhere strictly to safety guidelines issued by the administration.
