Authorities across eastern India have stepped up cyclone preparedness, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, as Keralam announces plans to improve early warning systems and disaster response.

Cyclone Arnab is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of October 28, prompting precautionary measures across eastern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall, strong winds and potential disruptions in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, while authorities have mobilised disaster response teams and issued safety advisories. Meanwhile, Keralam has announced plans to strengthen its long-term disaster preparedness systems amid growing climate-related risks.

Andhra Pradesh: Cyclone to Make Landfall on October 28

The IMD said Cyclone Arnab, which intensified from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, is likely to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.

The system could bring maximum sustained wind speeds of up to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at isolated places, is forecast over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. Rainfall is also likely in parts of the region on October 29.

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain said the next three days would be crucial and urged residents, particularly those in coastal areas, to remain alert and follow official advisories.

Odisha: Fishing Ban, Tourist Restrictions in Six Districts

The Odisha government has stepped up precautionary measures in six vulnerable districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur — even though the cyclone is forecast to make landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Fishing activities have been prohibited, while tourist entry to hills, waterfalls, dams and scenic destinations in the six districts has been banned. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deputed eight ministers to oversee preparations. Authorities have positioned National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), fire services and police personnel in vulnerable areas. A total of 24 ODRAF teams and six NDRF teams have been deployed.

Officials are shifting people from thatched houses and low-lying areas to shelters. Pregnant women are being moved to health centres in advance, while special arrangements are being made for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

The state has also cancelled employee leave in the identified districts and opened control rooms. Farmers have been advised to harvest and safely store crops that are 80-85 per cent mature.

West Bengal: Heavy Rain Forecast, Fishermen Warned

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across several districts of West Bengal between October 28 and 30. Light to moderate rain is likely in parts of south Bengal, including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, and Jhargram, from October 27 to 30.

Heavy rainfall is expected in South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia between October 28 and 30. The sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri may receive heavy rain on October 29 and 30, with the possibility of landslides in Darjeeling.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast. Squally winds of 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, are likely from October 27 to 29.

Keralam: Government Plans Disaster Resilience Project

Separately, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the Keralam government would develop a Disaster Management Resilience Project to strengthen early warning systems, evacuation, emergency response and rehabilitation.

The proposed initiative would incorporate district-specific disaster management systems, taking into account coastal hazards, Western Ghats landslides, river flooding and dam management. The government is considering institutions such as IIT Roorkee and IIT Madras as knowledge partners.

Satheesan also highlighted existing preparedness measures, including 51 automatic weather stations, Doppler radar in Wayanad and training for 10,000 volunteers under the Yuva Aapat Mitra initiative. The government plans to improve warning infrastructure and river management to reduce the impact of future disasters.


Tags: