Cyclone Arnab Havoc: Floods Hit Gajapati, Paddy Crops Under Threat
Heavy rains from Cyclone Arnab cause flood-like conditions in Gajapati, Odisha, threatening crops. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assures central aid.
The aftermath of Cyclone Arnab flooding has left a trail of destruction across Odisha's Gajapati district. Since Wednesday, relentless rainfall has transformed the region into a disaster zone, triggering a flood-like situation specifically within the Mahendratanaya River basin. As water levels in rivers and streams continue to surge, the local population is grappling with severe disruptions to daily life and the looming threat of agricultural ruin.
Villages Submerged and Crops at Risk
The Goshani block has borne the brunt of the storm's fury. Floodwaters have breached the banks and entered several residential and agricultural areas, including Bapuji Peinth, Bhinnala, and Baghasala. The inundation has not only displaced residents but has also submerged vast stretches of agricultural fields. With paddy crops currently at risk, farmers in the region are facing significant economic anxiety as the waterlogging persists.
Central Government Steps In
In response to the crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the affected states of full support from the central government. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Home Minister confirmed that he has been in communication with the Chief Ministers of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh to coordinate relief efforts.
The Home Minister highlighted that rescue operations are being conducted on a "war footing" by the following agencies:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF)
Furthermore, Impact Monitoring and Assessment Teams (IMCTs) are expected to be deployed shortly to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the additional assistance required to help the affected populations recover.
Weather Update: The Current Status of Cyclone Arnab
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system—which began as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab—has weakened. After moving northwards at a speed of 22 kmph, it transitioned into a deep depression and subsequently into a depression.
As of 5:30 am on Thursday, the system was centered over south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh. Its approximate locations included:
- 20 km west of Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh)
- 170 km southwest of Bhawanipatna (Odisha)
- 210 km southwest of Titlagarh (Odisha)
- 250 km south of Raipur
- 350 km southwest of Sambalpur (Odisha)
The IMD predicts that the system will continue its northward trajectory and is likely to weaken further into a well-marked low-pressure area by the evening of October 29, 2026. Doppler Weather Radars in Sambalpur and Raipur remain on high alert to monitor any further shifts.
New Threat in the Andaman Sea
While the region recovers from Arnab, weather officials have flagged a new development. A low-pressure area has formed over the south Andaman Sea, driven by an upper-air cyclonic circulation. This system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area over the next 24 hours. Meteorologists warn that it may further concentrate into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the following 24 hours.