Cyclone Arnab has started weakening after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh, losing intensity from an extremely severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm. According to the latest weather forecast provided in the source information, the system is likely to weaken further into a cyclonic storm within the next six hours and subsequently into a deep depression over the following six hours.
The cyclone is expected to move towards the north-northwest for the next 48 hours, bringing widespread rainfall across Odisha, with southern districts likely to experience particularly heavy downpours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of possible flash floods in five districts of Odisha—Malkangiri, Koraput, Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada.
Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said the cyclone’s impact could trigger sudden flooding in vulnerable areas, particularly in southern Odisha.
Flash Floods and Landslides a Major Concern
With heavy rainfall forecast, the state government is closely monitoring the situation, especially in landslide-prone areas.
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who is in charge of Gajapati district, said authorities are keeping a close watch on vulnerable locations and remain in contact with the Andhra Pradesh government.
“There is no reason to panic. Measures have been taken to ensure a swift response in landslide-affected areas,” the minister said.
The government has formulated a two-pronged strategy to deal with possible landslides. Plans are in place to evacuate people from vulnerable areas before any landslide occurs. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted through public announcement systems to alert residents about potential risks.
The minister added that the wind and rainfall intensity had been lower than initially anticipated.
Next 24 Hours Crucial for Odisha
Meteorologists have identified the next 24 hours as crucial for Odisha due to the possibility of substantial moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal.
As Cyclone Arnab moves north-northwestwards, moisture-laden winds are expected to bring widespread rainfall across the state. Southern Odisha is likely to bear the brunt of the weather system, although several other districts may also receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Red Alert for Six Districts
A red alert has been issued for six districts of Odisha for very heavy rainfall on Wednesday. The districts are Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.
Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely in these districts. Wind speeds are expected to reach 60–80 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 90 kmph.
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
Orange Alert for 11 Districts
An orange alert has been issued for 11 districts over the possibility of heavy rainfall on Wednesday.
The districts are Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh, Puri, Khordha, Sonepur, Boudh and Nayagarh, along with one additional district mentioned in the source information.
These areas may experience thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph.
A yellow alert has been issued for the remaining districts of the state.
With the cyclone weakening but continuing to influence weather conditions, the administration remains on alert, particularly in southern Odisha, where heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides pose potential risks.