NEW DELHI, October 29, 2026: Cyclonic Storm Arnab has weakened into a deep depression after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast, but its impact continues to be felt across several states, with heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, damaged power infrastructure and agricultural losses reported in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
At least five people have died in cyclone-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh, while southern Odisha has witnessed widespread rainfall, with at least 17 districts affected, according to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest weather bulletin on Thursday, said the deep depression was very likely to weaken further into a depression by Thursday morning and subsequently into a well-marked low-pressure area by the evening.
Although the weather system has lost considerable intensity, its movement inland is continuing to bring heavy rainfall to parts of eastern and central India, raising concerns over localised flooding, waterlogging, landslides, damage to standing crops and disruption of essential services.
Andhra Pradesh: Five deaths, extensive damage to infrastructure
Andhra Pradesh bore the initial brunt of Cyclone Arnab after the very severe cyclonic storm crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, during the early hours of Wednesday, October 28.
The storm made landfall with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph. Strong winds and torrential rainfall uprooted trees, brought down electric poles, damaged roads and inundated low-lying residential and agricultural areas.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed five deaths in cyclone-related incidents involving electrocution, falling electric poles, an uprooted palm tree and a wall collapse. The fatalities were reported from Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Konaseema and the Bhimavaram area.
Announcing a series of relief measures, Naidu declared an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased person.
The State government has also announced immediate financial assistance for eligible families affected by the cyclone. Families whose houses were inundated will receive 25 kg of rice, while handloom workers and fishermen will receive 50 kg of rice along with essential food items, including onions, cooking oil and red gram.
People staying in relief camps will receive ₹1,000 each.
The government is also considering compensation for agricultural and horticultural losses, including proposed assistance of ₹35,000 per hectare for banana crops and ₹25,000 per hectare for tomato crops. Compensation for cotton, sugarcane and other affected crops is also under consideration.
According to the Chief Minister, approximately 15,000 electric poles were uprooted across the State. Electricity supply has been restored in most districts, although restoration work was continuing in parts of Konaseema and West Godavari.
Around 30,000 officials and field-level personnel were mobilised for emergency response, rescue, relief distribution and restoration work.
Odisha: 17 districts affected by heavy rainfall
Odisha is facing a significant weather impact from the cyclone, particularly in its southern districts, where continuous rainfall has triggered flooding, landslides and disruption of normal life.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said at least 17 districts had been affected by heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab.
Gajapati emerged as one of the worst-affected districts. Mahendragarh in Gajapati recorded 249.9 mm of rainfall, while Pottangi in Koraput received 188 mm, Mohana in Gajapati 168.8 mm, Ganjam 161.4 mm and Similiguda in Koraput 143.1 mm.
The heavy downpour has increased the risk of flash floods, landslides and damage to roads, houses and agricultural fields, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas.
The Odisha government had evacuated 43,827 people to 634 relief centres as part of its preparedness measures. A further 2,037 relief centres had been kept ready to accommodate people if conditions deteriorated.
The Chief Minister reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting and directed officials to accelerate the restoration of electricity, drinking water and communication services. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services were placed on high alert.
The State government said advance preparedness and evacuation measures had helped it maintain a zero-casualty record in the initial assessment.
The IMD issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall in Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam, while several other districts were placed under heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts.
Chhattisgarh: Heavy rain threat in southern districts
The cyclone’s inland movement also raised concerns in southern Chhattisgarh, particularly in the Bastar region.
Districts such as Sukma and Dantewada, which are geographically close to the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha border regions, experienced overcast conditions, cooler winds and deteriorating weather.
The IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Chhattisgarh as the weather system moved inland.
The possibility of waterlogging, localised flooding and disruption to road connectivity remained a concern, particularly in vulnerable areas and settlements close to rivers and streams.
Local administrations were advised to remain alert and monitor weather conditions, especially in areas prone to flooding.
Jharkhand: Rainfall alerts and precautionary closures
Jharkhand also prepared for the impact of the weakening cyclone, with rainfall expected in several districts as the system moved north-westwards.
The IMD issued rainfall alerts for districts including Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum.
Orange alerts were also issued for parts of the State, including Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum, for the period covered by the October 28–30 forecast.
District administrations ordered precautionary closure of schools in Ranchi and West Singhbhum on October 28 and 29.
The weakening of the cyclone does not immediately eliminate the rainfall threat, as the system can continue to carry substantial moisture inland.
