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Cyclone Arnab Weakens, But Heavy Rain Threat Persists as States Assess Damage
Cyclone Arnab Weakens, But Heavy Rain Threat Persists as States Assess Damage
Cyclone Arnab Weakens, But Heavy Rain Threat Persists as States Assess Damage
Cyclone Arnab Weakens, But Heavy Rain Threat Persists as States Assess Damage

Cyclone Arnab Weakens, But Heavy Rain Threat Persists as States Assess Damage

Bavana Guntha
October 30, 2026

Cyclone Arnab weakened into a depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha on Thursday, October 29, but its impact continued across eastern and central India, with heavy rain warnings in several states. Andhra Pradesh reported deaths, extensive damage to power infrastructure and losses to standing crops, while Odisha and West Bengal remained on alert for further rainfall.

In Andhra Pradesh, officials reported at least six deaths, although some local reports put the toll higher. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said around 15,000 electricity poles had been damaged. Power supply was restored in most districts, but disruption continued in Konaseema and West Godavari. The state government estimated that about 3.45 lakh farmers were affected, with standing crops damaged across approximately 2.24 lakh hectares in 14 districts. Naidu announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for each deceased person's family and sought a central team to assess the damage. More than 84,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm.

In Odisha, more than 30,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state had achieved its zero-casualty objective. Rescue teams saved 15 people stranded at Budhi Thakurani Temple in Ganjam after water levels rose. Nine districts were under an orange alert for heavy rain, while authorities continued monitoring vulnerable areas. Restrictions also affected boating and tourism around Chilika Lake.

West Bengal remained under orange alerts in parts of the state, including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly and the two 24 Parganas districts. Heavy rain and gusty winds disrupted train services, with several trains cancelled, rerouted or short-terminated. Very heavy rain was forecast in parts of north Bengal.

The weather threat extended inland. Chhattisgarh faced heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rain possible. Alerts also covered Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Madhya Pradesh and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Telangana districts near the Chhattisgarh border faced gusty winds and rain, while Delhi-NCR was under a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning. Rain was also reported in Sikkim.

The India Meteorological Department expected Arnab to weaken further into a well-marked low-pressure area. However, forecasters warned that rainfall could continue even as the storm loses strength. Separately, a low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea was being monitored for possible further development.

Cyclone Arnab Weakens, But Heavy Rain Threat Persists as States Assess Damage - The Morning Voice