Cyclone Arnab Completes Landfall in Odisha, No Major Damage Reported

Severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ completed its landfall along the Odisha coast by 8 AM on Wednesday, with no major damage or loss of life reported so far. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said the situation across the state remained under control as authorities continued to monitor the storm’s movement and its impact.

The landfall process began around 2 AM and took nearly six hours to complete, as the cyclone moved slowly over the coastal region. According to officials, the system was following its expected path and was likely to move towards Malkangiri district by Wednesday evening, gradually weakening into a depression.

Evacuation and Emergency Response Help Limit Damage

The state government’s advance preparations and evacuation measures played a key role in managing the cyclone threat. More than 2,000 pregnant women were shifted to hospitals and safer locations ahead of the storm to minimise risks to maternal and child health.

The cyclone uprooted trees and disrupted road movement in some areas. However, teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services acted promptly to remove fallen trees and clear blocked roads, helping restore normal traffic.

SRC Patil said district administrations and emergency response teams remained alert, with officials closely tracking developments and implementing the necessary safety measures.

Southern Odisha Records Heavy Rainfall

Despite the limited reports of major damage, several areas in southern Odisha experienced intense rainfall during the preceding 24 hours. Mohana block recorded 182 mm of rain, while Paralakhemundi received 140 mm, highlighting the intensity of precipitation in the region.

Ganjam and Gajapati districts also witnessed heavy downpours under the influence of the cyclone. Rayagada reported comparatively moderate rainfall, while Malkangiri and Koraput had recorded lower amounts at the time of the briefing.

As the storm moves inland and loses strength, rainfall is expected to continue in parts of southern Odisha. District administrations have been instructed to maintain vigilance and remain prepared to respond to any weather-related emergencies.

Authorities are continuing to assess local conditions, with priority given to public safety, road clearance and the uninterrupted functioning of essential services.