Odisha gears up for severe storm landfalls

Odisha has activated emergency protocols as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal gathers strength to form into cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’. Bangladesh contributed the name Arnab, translating to "ocean" in Bengali, through the regional tropical cyclone naming roster maintained by the World Meteorological Organization. The upcoming storm follows a similar weather pattern that fromed in the late September that crossed the regional coast as a deep depression, bringing heavy downpours without reaching full cyclonic intensity. Expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, the system is projected to bring sustained maximum wind speeds of 115 to 125 kmph, with wind hitting at 140 kmph.

Tracking severe storm trajectory

India Meteorological Department data indicates the weather system remained centered 860 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 1130 km east of Bapatla early Sunday morning. Moving southeastward at a speed of 5 kmph, it will shift southwards and recurve west-northwestwards before intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by October 27. By the morning of October 28, it will reach very severe cyclonic storm status near the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts.

Also read: Cyclone ‘Arnab’ may intensify into very severe storm, Andhra Pradesh landfall Likely on October 28​​​​​​​

Red warnings for southern districts

While Andhra Pradesh bears the brunt of the direct landfall path, neighboring Odisha anticipates extreme weather impacts. Regional meteorological centers issued red warnings for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri on October 28. These five southern districts will likely experience isolated extremely heavy downpours exceeding 20 cm, combined with strong surface winds blowing at 60 to 70 kmph and gusting to 80 kmph. Officials warn such intense prolonged rain could trigger serious waterlogging in low-lying urban areas, rapid local river level rises, and dangerous landslides across unstable hilly slopes. Furthermore, orange warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall apply to 18 other districts, including Puri, Khordha, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj, anticipating temporary disruptions to daily life and transportation networks.

State emergency preparedness

Reviewing disaster readiness at Lok Seva Bhavan, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed departments to execute a strict zero-casualty strategy reminiscent of past disaster management efforts. State authorities deployed 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force units, and 225 fire service detachments to handle emergency rescue operations. Educational institutions and Anganwadi centers across the five red warning districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a safety measure. Public health officials are tasked with prioritizing early evacuations of vulnerable populations, specifically pregnant women and hospital patients, moving them to secure shelters. Simultaneously, strict warnings have been issued advising all fishermen to stay off the rough sea.