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Odisha relocates 48,000 people to cyclone shelters

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 10:21 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Odisha’s government relocated over 48,000 people to shelters as Cyclone Arnab struck.
The state opened 135 cyclone shelters and 1,600 temporary shelters for evacuees.
Arnab made landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by 8 am Oct 28 with 125-135 kmph winds.
The IMD issued red warnings for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.
A 1.5-2.5 m storm surge was forecast near Kakinada and Yanam, threatening low-lying areas.

Summary

Rail authorities suspended about 600 km of tracks and readied emergency restoration teams.
South Coast, East Coast and South Eastern Railways cancelled 50 trains.
Two IndiGo flights linking Vijayawada with Chennai and Bengaluru were cancelled.
Andhra Pradesh released INR27 crore for relief in 20 districts, funding shelters, medical aid and food.
Ration shops stocked two months’ essential commodities at 14,686 locations to prevent shortages.

Summary

A 65-year-old man died after contacting live wires snapped by the storm in Mangalapalem.
Strong winds uprooted over 200 trees within Visakhapatnam city limits.
Jathara premises recorded 141.75 mm rainfall, the district’s highest on Tuesday.
More than 30,000 fishing boats were recalled from sea.
The state deployed 8,400 personnel to address electricity disruptions and protect up to 15,000 power poles.

History

The 1999 Odisha super cyclone struck on 29 October 1999, killing 9,887 people and prompting the India Meteorological Department’s series of warnings and evacuation of nearly 150,000 residents. The disaster drove India to build a national disaster-management framework and expand cyclone shelters. Today’s Cyclone Arnab has triggered evacuations of 48,000 and shelter activation, reflecting those legacy measures.

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Historical Context

The 1999 Odisha super cyclone struck on 29 October 1999, killing 9,887 people and prompting the India Meteorological Department’s series of warnings and evacuation of nearly 150,000 residents. The disaster drove India to build a national disaster-management framework and expand cyclone shelters. Today’s Cyclone Arnab has triggered evacuations of 48,000 and shelter activation, reflecting those legacy measures.

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