State governments taking emergency steps for the incoming cyclonic storm

Coastal districts in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh remain on high alert as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal gathers strength. Weather officials forecast this system will escalate into a cyclonic storm named Arnab by Monday morning. Moving in a west-northwest direction, this disturbance targets the eastern coastline and is projected to reach land by October 28. India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra confirmed the storm will continue intensifying as it moves toward the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. Current environmental conditions strongly support this rapid development. Warm sea surface temperatures of 29°C to 30°C and low vertical wind shear between 5 and 10 knots provide ideal fuel for the storm. Historically, October storms in the Bay of Bengal carry high moisture levels, leading to severe coastal flooding upon landfall.

Also read: Cyclone threat to Odisha: Fishermen advised against venturing into sea​​​​​​​

Heavy rainfall and wind predictions

Squally weather will begin battering the east coast starting October 26. Wind speeds will initially reach 70 to 80 kmph, eventually gusting up to 90 kmph as the system approaches. Light rainfall will initiate along the coastal belts of West Bengal, Odisha, and north Andhra Pradesh. By October 27, weather conditions will deteriorate significantly. Specific isolated locations could record extreme rainfall exceeding 30 cm over a 48-hour period.

State governments have initiated aggressive disaster mitigation measures. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the Odisha administration is operating under a strict "zero casualty" mandate. Emergency response units, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and state Fire Services, are now stationed at strategic vulnerability points to ensure immediate rescue capabilities.