Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ has officially completed its landfall process along the Odisha coast with no major damage or loss of life reported across the state, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil confirmed on Wednesday.
The landfall process, which began around 2:00 AM, stretched over nearly six hours as the storm remained almost stationary before fully crossing the coastline by 8:00 AM. According to officials, the storm is following its predicted trajectory over land and is expected to reach Malkangiri district by Wednesday evening, where it is likely to weaken further into a depression.
Precautionary Measures & Swift Response
Commending the prompt state response, SRC Patil stated that active evacuation drives and high-alert protocols ensured public safety throughout the critical hours. As part of targeted precautions, authorities successfully shifted more than 2,000 expectant mothers to healthcare facilities and safer shelters prior to the cyclone’s impact.
While the storm uprooted trees and temporarily blocked transit routes in select areas, disaster management teams—including the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and local Fire Services personnel—cleared the road obstructions rapidly, restoring normal movement.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation. All precautionary measures have been taken, and officials are working in their respective districts. The situation remains under control,” said SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
Rainfall Overview across Southern Districts
Although structural damage remained minimal, severe precipitation has affected parts of southern Odisha over the last 24 hours:
| District / Block | Rainfall Recorded | Status & Forecast |
| Mohana Block | 182 mm | Very heavy rainfall recorded |
| Paralakhemundi | 140 mm | Significant precipitation |
| Ganjam & Gajapati | High intensity | Downpours continue under storm influence |
| Rayagada | Moderate | Mild to non-significant precipitation |
| Malkangiri & Koraput | Low (at briefing) | Expected to receive rains as the storm weakens into a depression |
District administrations across southern Odisha remain on high alert as the weakening system continues to bring localised heavy rainfall while traversing toward Malkangiri.
