Cyclone Arnab: IMD Issues Red Alert as 'Very Severe Storm' Looms
IMD warns of a very severe cyclonic storm hitting Andhra Pradesh, triggering red alerts and massive rescue deployments in Odisha.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a high alert as a potent cyclonic system brewing over the Bay of Bengal is expected to escalate into a very severe cyclonic storm. While the system, known as Cyclone Arnab, is projected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, the neighboring state of Odisha is bracing for significant impact, including extreme rainfall and destructive winds.
The Path of Destruction: Timeline and Intensity
According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, the system is currently a depression located over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal. The IMD has provided a detailed timeline of the storm's intensification:
- October 25: Likely to intensify into a deep depression.
- October 26: Expected to evolve into a cyclonic storm by the morning.
- October 27: Predicted to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm.
- October 28: Likely to reach the west-central Bay of Bengal as a very severe cyclonic storm.
The storm is forecasted to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the forenoon of October 28. During landfall, wind speeds are expected to range between 115 to 125 km/h, with powerful gusts reaching up to 140 km/h.
Red Alert for Southern Odisha
Although the eye of the storm will hit Andhra Pradesh, Odisha will feel its wrath. A 'Red Alert' has been issued for October 28 across five southern districts: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri. These areas are expected to witness isolated extremely heavy rainfall and wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph.
Manorama Mohanty warned that because the storm will move close to the Malkangiri district after landfall, the risk of landslides is high, particularly in hilly terrains due to the anticipated deluge.
Widespread Rainfall Forecast
The weather disturbance will not be limited to the south. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also predicted for several other districts on October 28, including:
- Kalahandi and Kandhamal
- Nabarangpur and Balangir
- Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh
- Bargarh and Nuapada
Widespread rain activity is expected to persist through October 29 before beginning to recede on October 30.
Odisha Government on High Alert: Massive Mobilization
In response to the threat, the Odisha government has shifted into emergency mode. All leaves for disaster management personnel have been cancelled to ensure maximum manpower is available. Odisha Chief Fire Officer Ramesh Majhi detailed the extensive preparations currently underway:
"We have proposed the deployment of a total of 225 teams across these regions, ensuring coverage at the block-headquarter level. These teams are equipped with 225 vehicles, including towing and transport vehicles for the movement of personnel."
To handle the aftermath of the storm, the state has readied a massive arsenal of rescue equipment, including:
- 1,510 high-power chainsaws to clear fallen trees and debris.
- 25 rescue tenders for critical emergency situations.
- 12 plasma cutters for heavy-duty rescue operations.
- 225 tower lights to enable rescue teams to operate effectively during the night.
Maritime Warnings and Safety Advice
The IMD has hoisted Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 at all ports across Odisha. The sea is expected to remain rough to very rough, with wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph along the coast. Consequently, fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea until October 29.
Meanwhile, a 'Cyclone Alert' (Orange Message) remains in effect for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining southern Odisha as the region prepares for the arrival of the storm.