Odisha on Alert as Cyclone Arnab Nears Andhra Coast
Odisha intensifies cyclone preparedness, banning fishing and restricting tourist access to vulnerable sites in six districts as a storm nears.
The Cliff News | 26 October 2026
The Odisha government has initiated a series of stringent precautionary measures, including a prohibition on all sea fishing activities and a ban on tourist entry to hills, waterfalls, and dams in six southern districts. These steps are being taken in anticipation of a cyclonic storm, 'Arnab', expected to make landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh within the next 48 hours.
Officials confirmed that resources have been mobilised in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur, identified as the most vulnerable districts in the southern region. To oversee pre-cyclone activities, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also deputed eight ministers to various locations across the state.
Cyclone Arnab Intensifies
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a bulletin on Monday morning, stating that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm. Moving westwards at approximately 15 kmph, Cyclone Arnab is forecast to strengthen further.
The IMD predicts the storm will move west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by midnight on October 26. It is further expected to escalate into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same region by October 27.
Rescue Teams Pre-positioned
Rescue and disaster response teams have been strategically pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. These teams comprise personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the Fire and Emergency Services, and the police, ensuring immediate assistance is available if required.
Andhra Pradesh Coast is Primary Target
According to the IMD forecast, Cyclone Arnab is likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. This development has also prompted high alert among officials in Andhra Pradesh, with Chief Minister Naidu putting authorities on standby.
Odisha Prepared for Eventualities
Despite the primary landfall prediction for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha's Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari emphasised that the state government is leaving nothing to chance. "Although the system is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast, the Odisha government would take no chances and remain fully prepared to deal with any eventuality," Minister Pujari stated.
He added that the state government is fully prepared to tackle the situation, and there is no reason for the public to panic. The weather system is projected to move into certain areas within Odisha's territory after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh.