Cyclone Arnab Weakens to Depression; Heavy Rains Batter Eastern and Central India
Cyclone Arnab weakens into a depression after hitting Andhra Pradesh, leaving a trail of destruction and heavy rain across Eastern and Central India.
Cyclone Arnab, the first named storm of the 2026 North Indian Ocean season, has weakened into a depression after causing widespread devastation across the eastern coast. The storm made landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast early on October 28, 2026, bringing ferocious winds and torrential rain to the region.
The Path of Destruction
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system boasted sustained winds of 125-135 kmph, with gusts peaking at 150 kmph. As of the latest updates, the system is centered over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha. The IMD predicts that by the evening of October 29, 2026, the storm will further diminish into a well-marked low-pressure area.
The impact on the ground has been severe. IMD Director General M. Mohapatra reported that northern Andhra Pradesh and Odisha faced extremely heavy rainfall over a 24-hour period. In some parts of southern Odisha, the rainfall was described as exceptional, with totals reaching a staggering 55 centimeters.
Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
The aftermath of the storm has been tragic, with seven confirmed deaths in Andhra Pradesh. The fatalities were caused by a combination of structural collapses, falling trees, and electrocution.
In Odisha, the situation remains critical in the Ganjam district, where approximately 300 villages are currently cut off from the rest of the region. Significant damage has been reported to vegetation and power infrastructure, leaving many areas in the dark.
Relief and Rescue Operations
In response to the crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been in coordination with the Chief Ministers of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry. Relief efforts are being aggressively managed by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to reach stranded villagers and restore essential services.
Widespread Rain and Rare Phenomena
While the eye of the storm has moved inland, the precipitation remains widespread. Heavy rains continue to lash several states and regions, including:
- Jharkhand
- Gangetic West Bengal
- Bihar
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh
- Eastern Madhya Pradesh
- Parts of Northeast India
In a striking turn of events, residents of Chhattisgarh witnessed a rare atmospheric phenomenon. As the storm passed through, the sky turned a blood-red hue, a result of specific cloud geometry and light scattering.
Looking Ahead: New Threats
The weather volatility is not over. Residents in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi have been warned to prepare for gusty winds and thunderstorms.
Furthermore, the IMD is closely monitoring the south Andaman Sea, where a new low-pressure area is forming. Forecasters expect this new system to intensify by October 31, 2026, potentially bringing another round of unstable weather to the coast.