Odisha is on high alert as the landfall process of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab continues along the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to cross through parts of southern Odisha between noon and 1:00 PM on Tuesday before tracking northwest toward Chhattisgarh.
The storm’s outer bands have already triggered continuous rainfall and strong winds across southern districts, including Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
IMD Warns of Heavy Downpours and Landslide Risks
Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty cautioned that as the system moves inland, wind speeds are projected to range between 60 and 70 kmph, with powerful gusts touching 80 kmph.
The IMD has issued severe weather warnings for several southern districts—including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Kalahandi—anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall. Authorities have specifically highlighted the risk of localized landslides in vulnerable hilly terrain across southern Odisha due to the continuous downpour.
Landfall Details and Inland Movement
Cyclone Arnab initially struck between the Andhra Pradesh coast and Yanam in the west-central Bay of Bengal, packing destructive sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.
While forecasters expect the system to gradually weaken as it moves farther inland toward Chhattisgarh, heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and localized flooding risks are expected to persist across the region over the next several hours. District administrations remain on high alert, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
