Last Updated on October 27, 2026 9:14 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN/ WEB DESK
The weather has turned ominous across Odisha as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab advances towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing rain and gusty winds to southern and coastal parts of the state. With the cyclone expected to make landfall tomorrow forenoon, the Odisha government has stepped up preparations, mobilising disaster-response teams and placing vulnerable districts on high alert. Rail services face widespread disruption, fishing operations have been suspended, and educational institutions in several districts will remain closed tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deployed eight ministers to oversee preparedness in vulnerable districts likely to be badly affected, while rescue teams, evacuation arrangements and relief shelters have been readied. Red warnings cover vulnerable southern districts, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall threatening low-lying areas, roads, power lines and standing crops. The wind speed in these districts during Arnab’s landfall is likely to be between 60 and 80 km per hour. Rail services have been disrupted; more than 60 train services have been cancelled across the affected network and other services modified. At Paradip and Dhamra ports, Distant Warning Signal Number Two is hoisted, while Puri and Gopalpur ports have Local Cautionary Signal Number Three. With the sea rough to very rough and becoming high along the south Odisha coast, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. The administration is racing against time to minimise damage and ensure public safety.