Full Breakdown
Cyclone Arnab: Odisha’s Preparations Ahead of Expected Landfall
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Core Event – Impending Cyclone Arnab
A low-pressure area that formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal on October 23, 2026 is projected by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to become a depression on October 24, a deep depression on October 25, and a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and reach the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast by the morning of October 28. The storm will be named “Arnab,” a Bengali word meaning “ocean.”
Background & Context
The post-monsoon season (October-December) in the Bay of Bengal often spawns cyclones when sea-surface temperatures exceed 26 °C. IMD forecasters note that current waters are around 29 °C with low vertical wind shear, favoring rapid intensification.
Timeline
- Oct 23 – Low-pressure area formation.
- Oct 24 – Expected depression.
- Oct 25 – Projected deep depression.
- Oct 26 – Forecast cyclonic storm.
- Oct 27-29 – Heavy rainfall expected for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- Oct 28 – Anticipated landfall near the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast.
- Nov 4-5 – President Droupadi Murmu’s rescheduled visit to Odisha.
Data & Statistics
- 60 ODRAF teams, 17 fire-service units, and 225 fire-service units on standby.
- Power distributor Tata Power prepared for possible pole and transformer damage.
- Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres closed on Oct 28-29 in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts.
- Leave cancelled for energy and agriculture department staff statewide.
Official Statements & Responses
State officials stressed a “zero-casualties” goal. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said disaster shelters are ready. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo ordered leave cancellations and instructed Tata Power to stand by for rapid restoration. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said collectors in all coastal districts are on high alert and rescue teams are mobilised. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned wind speeds of 70-80 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h from Oct 26 and advised fishermen to stay ashore. President Murmu postponed her Oct 28-29 visit for safety, rescheduling it to Nov 4-5.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The sea is already rough over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal and is likely to become very rough in the coming days,” — Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD director
- “Collectors of all coastal districts have been asked to remain on high alert and be ready to respond to any situation.” — Suresh Pujari, disaster management minister
Why It Matters
The cyclone threatens heavy rain, squally winds and disruption to transport, fishing and daily life along the vulnerable coast. Pre-emptive measures—school closures, leave cancellations, shelter activation and deployment of disaster-response teams—aim to minimise loss of life and infrastructure damage. The postponement of the President’s visit underscores the seriousness of the forecast.
What’s Next
- Oct 28: Expected landfall; authorities will issue localized warnings.
- Nov 4-5: President Murmu’s rescheduled visit to Mayurbhanj district.
- Ongoing: Continuous IMD monitoring; district collectors may adjust school closures and other measures as conditions evolve.