Cyclone Arnab: Storm Wreaks Havoc in Bhubaneswar, 173 Trees Uprooted

Although Cyclone Arnab has weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, Odisha continues to face the threat of heavy rainfall and strong winds. The next 24 hours are expected to be crucial for the state, as moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal could trigger widespread rainfall.

According to meteorologists, Cyclone Arnab is likely to move in a north-northwest direction over the next 48 hours, bringing substantial moisture towards Odisha and increasing the possibility of heavy precipitation.

Meanwhile, strong winds and thunderstorms have already caused significant disruption in the state capital, Bhubaneswar, with uprooted trees blocking roads and a massive Durga Puja-style decorative structure collapsing during the ongoing Gajalaxmi Puja celebrations.

Trees Uprooted, Traffic Disrupted in Bhubaneswar

Strong winds battered several parts of Bhubaneswar, uprooting large trees and blocking roads. The Patia-Nandankanan road was obstructed after trees fell across the route, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded in a traffic jam stretching nearly two kilometres.

An ambulance was also reportedly caught in the congestion, highlighting the difficulties faced by emergency services amid the disruption.

Fire service personnel rushed to the affected locations and began cutting and removing fallen trees to restore traffic movement.

Massive Gajalaxmi Puja Structure Collapses

The impact of the storm was also visible at Gajalaxmi Puja celebrations in the city.

A massive 80-foot-tall decorative structure at the Gajalaxmi Puja mandap in Club Town Ground, near Damana, collapsed after a sudden, powerful gust of wind struck the area.

The structure, described in the source report as one of the largest Gajalaxmi Puja installations in Odisha, reportedly twisted under the force of the wind before collapsing.

Heavy rainfall and strong gusts continued to affect the area, disrupting festive activities.

173 Trees Uprooted in Three Southern Districts

The storm has also affected several locations in southern Odisha, particularly Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts.

Fire Services Inspector General Umashankar Dash said firefighting and emergency response teams were working on a mission-by-mission basis to clear roads and respond to distress calls.

According to Dash, emergency services received calls through the 112 helpline regarding 173 fallen trees blocking roads across the three districts. Teams responded promptly and removed the trees to clear the affected routes.

He added that personnel had been placed on high alert in areas where extensive tree damage was reported.

228 Fire Service Teams on Alert

The Odisha Fire Services Department has kept 228 teams on alert across the state, including 126 teams deployed in southern Odisha to deal with emergencies arising from the cyclone’s impact.

With heavy rainfall continuing, teams have also been instructed to remain prepared for the evacuation of residents from low-lying areas if required.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the weather system continues to influence conditions across Odisha.

Although Cyclone Arnab has weakened, the possibility of heavy rainfall, strong winds, falling trees and localised flooding remains a concern. Residents have been advised to remain cautious and follow official weather updates.