Cyclone Arnab: Ganjam on High Alert, Kalinga Ghat and Daringbadi Roads Closed Till October 29

The Ganjam district administration has stepped up precautionary measures in view of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab, which is approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast. Authorities have ordered the closure of the Kalinga Ghat and Daringbadi roads until October 29, citing the risk of landslides due to continuous rainfall.

The Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector has been directed to closely monitor the Kalinga Ghat area. With heavy rainfall expected in several parts of southern Odisha, the administration is taking steps to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

The Sorada tehsil administration and police have barricaded the Daringbadi ghat road near Gazalbadi Panchayat under Sorada police station limits. Barricades have been installed at both ends of the ghat road, near Baimela village and Gazalbadi Panchayat, to restrict movement.

Sorada Tehsildar Gopal Krishna Routaray and police personnel were present at the site during the closure operation.

ODRAF, NDRF Teams Deployed in Ganjam

The Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office has deployed three Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Ganjam district to respond to any emergency.

One ODRAF team from the 8th Battalion of the Odisha Special Armed Police (OSAP) in Chhatrapur has been stationed in the Berhampur Municipal Corporation area for rescue operations. Another ODRAF team has been deployed in Patrapur.

Of the two NDRF teams, one is stationed in Berhampur and the other in Asika.

Additionally, 24 fire service teams have been kept on standby with the necessary equipment and personnel to carry out rescue and emergency response operations. Four SRC power boats have also been positioned at strategic locations to deal with potential flooding and other emergencies.

Cyclone Arnab Intensifies, Moves Towards Andhra Pradesh Coast

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab, currently active over the west-central Bay of Bengal, has moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 20 kmph over the past six hours.

According to the weather bulletin cited in the report, the cyclone was located approximately 170 km from Visakhapatnam, 180 km from Kakinada, 270 km from Machilipatnam, 350 km east of Bapatla and 370 km south-southwest of Gopalpur.

The system is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards until the evening before turning towards the northwest.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclone will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts by the forenoon of October 28, 2026.

Landfall is expected between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, with the system likely to retain its extremely severe cyclonic storm intensity.

At the time of landfall, the maximum sustained wind speed could reach 125–135 kmph, with gusts of up to 150 kmph.

Red Alert for Two Districts, Orange Warning for Nine

The IMD has issued red, orange and yellow warnings for different parts of Odisha for the next 24 hours as the cyclone approaches the coast.

Ganjam and Gajapati districts are under red alert, with extremely heavy rainfall expected. Wind speeds in these districts may reach 40–50 kmph, with gusts of up to 50 kmph, according to the information provided.

Koraput and Malkangiri are also expected to experience adverse weather, with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph and gusts reaching 70 kmph.

An orange warning has been issued for Rayagada, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Puri and Khordha districts, where heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely.

Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty has provided information about the expected weather conditions and district-level warnings.

Residents Advised to Remain Alert

With heavy rainfall likely to trigger landslides in hilly areas and cause waterlogging in low-lying locations, the Ganjam administration has intensified its preparedness measures.

The closure of the Kalinga Ghat and Daringbadi roads is intended to minimise the risk of accidents in vulnerable stretches. Residents and commuters have been advised to follow official instructions, avoid restricted roads and stay updated on weather advisories.

Emergency response teams remain on standby to handle any situation arising from the impact of Cyclone Arnab.

Note: The cyclone’s classification, location, forecast track, wind speeds and district warnings should be verified against the latest official IMD bulletin before publication.