Cyclone 'Arnab' Brings Heavy Rains & Strong Winds to Odisha, Andhra, Other Eastern States: Check IMD predictions
Cyclone 'Arnab', formed in the Bay of Bengal, made landfall between the coasts of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha late at night, between 11 PM and 1 AM. The cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds to several states across eastern and central India, severely disrupting normal life.
The impact was particularly significant in Odisha; schools in 10 districts were closed as a precautionary measure. Approximately 5,000 people have been relocated to safer areas, while four bridges in Malkangiri district have been submerged, severing road connectivity. A national highway has also been temporarily closed for safety reasons. In Rourkela, a 150-foot-tall Ganesh Utsav pandal collapsed due to strong winds; officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Andhra Pradesh also experienced heavy rainfall, with wind speeds reaching up to 75 kmph, particularly in Kalingapatnam, Srikakulam districts. Flood-like conditions have developed in the low-lying areas of Vijayawada, forcing schools to remain closed for the second consecutive day. Due to rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture out until Friday morning.
The cyclone's impact has extended to West Bengal, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to South 24 Parganas, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'Orange Alert' for coastal districts and urged people to remain vigilant.
The IMD has also forecast heavy rains in 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh and thunderstorms in 15 districts of Chhattisgarh. After a brief hiatus, the monsoon has revived in Uttar Pradesh; heavy rainfall has been reported in Lucknow, Gonda, Prayagraj, and neighboring districts. A holiday has been declared for students in classes 1 to 8 in Gonda due to continuous rain and waterlogging.