Cyclone Arnab has weakened after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast, but its aftermath continues to affect parts of eastern and central India. Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding, damaged roads, disrupted transport and affected thousands of residents in Odisha, while authorities continue monitoring conditions in Chhattisgarh.
Cyclone Arnab Weakens After Moving Inland
Cyclone Arnab, which intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast during the early hours of October 28, 2026. The storm crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, with sustained wind speeds of 125 to 135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
After crossing the coastline, the weather system moved inland and gradually lost intensity. It first weakened into a deep depression and subsequently into a depression over southern Chhattisgarh and adjoining southern Odisha.
By the evening of October 29, the system had further weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha. Although the cyclone had lost its strength, its associated moisture continued to produce heavy rainfall across several districts.
The IMD indicated that the system would move north-northeastwards and weaken further. However, the rainfall it brought inland had already created significant challenges for local administrations.
Southern Odisha Faces Flooding and Road Disruptions
Southern Odisha has emerged as one of the major affected regions following Cyclone Arnab. Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts experienced heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding, affecting villages and disrupting road connectivity.
According to reports published on October 29, heavy rainfall caused the Gundriguda bridge in the Mohana block of Gajapati district to collapse. Runoff from the Mahendragiri hills also washed away sections of the Kaipur-Burukhata road, affecting movement in the surrounding areas.
Several other roads and bridges were affected by rising water levels. Parts of National Highway 326 near Taptapani Ghat experienced inundation, while floodwater temporarily disrupted connectivity to villages in the region.
In Rayagada district, uprooted trees blocked roads, forcing emergency personnel and local residents to undertake clearance operations. Although some routes were restored, the administration remained alert because of continuing waterlogging and flooding in vulnerable locations.
The situation has highlighted how cyclone-related rainfall can create serious inland disruptions even after a storm loses its classification as a cyclonic storm.
More Than 60,000 People Affected in Southern Odisha
The impact of the post-cyclone rainfall has been particularly serious in Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
According to a Times of India report published on October 30, more than 60,000 people were affected across the two districts. Ganjam accounted for over 40,000 affected residents, while approximately 20,000 people were affected in Gajapati.
The report stated that around 29,000 people had been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Nearly 70 villages remained marooned as floodwaters affected settlements and road connections.
Rainfall measurements also indicated the intensity of the situation. Patrapur in Ganjam recorded 546 mm of rainfall, while Sorada received 503 mm over a 24-hour period, according to the report.
The Rushikulya and Badanadi rivers experienced rising water levels, increasing concerns about flooding in nearby settlements.
Rescue and relief operations continued in affected areas, with authorities working to reach residents in locations cut off by floodwaters. Low cloud cover and persistent rainfall also created challenges for aerial assessment and evacuation operations.
Chhattisgarh Monitors the Impact of Heavy Rainfall
Chhattisgarh also experienced the effects of Cyclone Arnab as the weakened weather system moved inland from the eastern coastline.
The IMD tracked the depression over southern Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha on October 29 before reporting its further weakening into a well-marked low-pressure area over central parts of the state and neighbouring Odisha.
The movement of the system brought rainfall concerns to several parts of Chhattisgarh. The weather department warned that the remnants could continue moving north-northeastwards, with the possibility of further rainfall in northern areas.
Jagdalpur and surrounding areas were among the locations identified in the weather system’s movement during its weakening phase.
While the Odisha damage reports provide details of flooding, damaged infrastructure and evacuations, a comprehensive district-wise damage assessment for Chhattisgarh was not available in the cited reports as of October 30.
Authorities and residents will need to monitor local rainfall, river levels and road conditions, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and waterlogging.
Odisha Government Reviews Rescue and Restoration Work
The Odisha government has been coordinating emergency response operations in affected districts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the cyclone situation and directed officials to speed up rescue, relief and restoration activities.
The state administration prioritised the restoration of electricity, drinking water and communication services in affected areas. Disaster response teams, including the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services, were instructed to remain prepared for emergency operations.
The Chief Minister also reviewed arrangements for relief distribution and coordination between departments.
As floodwaters continued to affect certain settlements, rescue teams faced the challenge of reaching villages with disrupted road connectivity. Local administrations were also monitoring vulnerable areas to prevent further risks to residents.
The response remains focused on restoring essential services and ensuring that people affected by flooding receive assistance.
Transport and Agriculture Face Additional Challenges
Cyclone Arnab’s impact has extended beyond residential areas and road infrastructure. Heavy rainfall and flooding have also affected agriculture and transportation in parts of Odisha.
Standing paddy crops and vegetable fields in affected districts have faced the risk of waterlogging and damage. This is particularly concerning for farmers approaching the harvesting season, as prolonged moisture can affect crop quality and agricultural income.
In Jharsuguda district, reports of flattened standing paddy crops in Laikera block have raised concerns among farmers. Local reports also documented damage to a cattle shed and a vehicle following the collapse of a tree.
Rail and road connectivity have also experienced disruptions. Flooding around bridges and low-lying roads has affected movement in parts of southern Odisha, while train services faced cancellations during the cyclone-related emergency.
The extent of agricultural losses will become clearer after field-level assessments by the relevant departments.
What Happens Next as Cyclone Arnab Weakens?
The weakening of Cyclone Arnab marks an important change in the weather situation, but it does not mean that all risks have disappeared.
The IMD’s October 29 bulletin indicated that the well-marked low-pressure area would continue moving north-northeastwards and weaken further. Rainfall intensity was expected to gradually decrease across several affected regions.
However, localised flooding can continue even after rainfall reduces because rivers, streams and drainage systems may take time to return to normal levels.
For Odisha, immediate priorities include evacuating people from vulnerable settlements, restoring road connectivity, assessing crop losses and repairing damaged infrastructure. In Chhattisgarh, monitoring rainfall and river levels remains important as the weather system moves away.
The overall damage assessment will depend on field surveys and reports from district administrations. Relief and restoration work will remain essential in the coming days, particularly in areas where flooding has disrupted normal life.
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, 2026, before weakening as it moved inland.
- More than 60,000 people were affected by post-cyclone flooding in Odisha’s Ganjam and Gajapati districts, according to reports published on October 30.
- Heavy rainfall damaged roads, bridges, agricultural fields and residential areas in parts of southern Odisha.
- Chhattisgarh continued monitoring the weakening weather system, while a comprehensive district-wise damage assessment remained unavailable in the cited reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Cyclone Arnab make landfall in India?
Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast during the early hours of October 28, 2026, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam.
2. Which Odisha districts were affected by Cyclone Arnab?
Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada were among the affected districts. Heavy rainfall also affected other parts of the state, resulting in flooding, road damage and disruption to normal activities.
3. How many people were affected by post-cyclone flooding in Odisha?
More than 60,000 people were affected across Ganjam and Gajapati, according to a Times of India report published on October 30, 2026. Around 29,000 people were evacuated.
4. Has Cyclone Arnab completely weakened?
The system had weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha by October 29, according to the IMD. Its remnants were expected to weaken further while moving north-northeastwards.
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