The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Cyclonic Storm Arnab, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast, is expected to weaken into a deep depression on October 29. The severe weather system unleashed torrential rains and high-speed winds across the eastern coast, resulting in five deaths in Andhra Pradesh and heavy inundation across at least 17 districts in southern Odisha. In response, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced immediate relief measures and compensation for affected families while directing state machinery to step up rescue and rehabilitation operations.
What Is the Current Status of Cyclone Arnab?
According to the latest IMD update, Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast as a very severe cyclonic storm before losing strength over land. The storm's wind speeds dropped steadily, transitioning it into a cyclonic storm and subsequently setting it on a trajectory to weaken into a depression on October 29. As the weather system continues moving inland toward central India, weather warnings remain active across several states, though the intensity of surface winds has diminished compared to the initial landfall phase.
How Has Southern Odisha Been Impacted by the Storm?
Southern Odisha has experienced massive rainfall driven by the peripheral bands of Cyclone Arnab. At least 17 districts across the southern belt, including Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Gajapati, faced severe inundation and waterlogging. Local authorities suspended schools, restricted access to vulnerable tourist spots, and deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) alongside Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams to execute evacuations and manage potential flash flooding in low-lying zones.
What Damages Were Reported in Andhra Pradesh?
Andhra Pradesh bore the primary brunt of Cyclone Arnab's landfall, suffering structural damage, agricultural losses, and loss of life. At least five fatalities were confirmed across the coastal districts due to storm-related incidents. The coastal winds uprooted thousands of electricity poles and falling trees blocked critical transport routes. Large swathes of agricultural and horticultural land—primarily paddy, banana, and cotton fields—were submerged under floodwaters, affecting hundreds of thousands of local farmers.
What Relief Measures Has CM Naidu Announced?
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted high-level emergency reviews and announced immediate financial assistance for cyclone victims. The state government declared a compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased, along with direct financial aid for displaced residents in temporary relief camps. Additionally, crop-specific compensation frameworks were established—ranging up to ₹25,000 per hectare for severely damaged commercial crops—to support farmers facing significant yield losses.
What Are the Expected Next Steps for Affected Regions?
Disaster management teams, power distribution units, and civil authorities are actively restoring essential services. Clearing cleared roadways, restoring electricity lines, and providing clean drinking water remain top priorities in the affected districts. As the storm degrades into a lingering depression, localized rainfall will persist before atmospheric conditions stabilize across the eastern coast.