Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are bracing for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding as a developing system over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into Cyclone Arnab and approaches the eastern coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of particularly intense rainfall between October 27 and 29, with October 28 emerging as a crucial day for the storm’s expected landfall and impact.
While Andhra Pradesh is more likely to bear the brunt of the cyclone’s landfall, southern Odisha could experience significant rain-related disruption, including flash floods, waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable hilly areas. The storm’s precise track and intensity remain important factors in determining the eventual extent
of damage.
Read More: Cyclone Arnab To Hit Andhra Coast On Oct 28; State Braces For Extremely Heavy Rainfall | Top Points
Here is a look at the areas that could face the greatest risks and what residents need to know.
Cyclone Arnab Latest Update: IMD Forecast
According to the IMD’s coastal weather bulletin issued on October 25, the system was a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. It has intensified into a cyclonic storm in the early hours of October 26, and is expected to strengthen further over the west-central Bay of Bengal by October 27, and potentially become a very severe cyclonic storm thereafter.
The system was located hundreds of kilometres east-southeast of Andhra Pradesh’s coast, with the IMD tracking its westward and subsequently northwestward movement. Forecasts published on October 25 and 26 indicated that the cyclone could cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28.
The forecast landfall zone places northern coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining districts in the spotlight. Reports citing the IMD indicate that sustained winds could reach 115-125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh: Which Areas Could Face Flooding?
Andhra Pradesh is expected to be among the worst-affected states, particularly if the storm crosses the coast near the Bapatla-Visakhapatnam stretch. a red alert has been issued in several districts on October 27 and 28.
Kakinada, Konaseema and Godavari districts
Kakinada, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari and West Godavari are among the areas facing heightened rainfall concerns. Eluru is also under a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall on October 27, according to the reported district-wise warnings.
These districts contain low-lying settlements, agricultural land, river channels and drainage networks that can be vulnerable to intense rainfall. Heavy rain over a short period could lead to waterlogging, overflowing local streams and flooding in low-lying pockets.
The Godavari region also warrants close monitoring because rainfall across its catchment can increase runoff and put pressure on rivers, canals and drainage systems.
Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Alluri Sitharama Raju
The northern coastal belt is particularly important because the forecast landfall zone lies near Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli could face a combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds and disruption to transport and electricity supplies. In Alluri Sitharama Raju district, the hilly terrain raises concerns about landslides, falling rocks and road blockages if rainfall becomes intense and prolonged.
Slopes weakened by saturated soil can become unstable, particularly along roads cutting through hills and forested terrain. Residents in vulnerable locations should heed evacuation instructions and avoid travelling through landslide-prone stretches during heavy rain.
Krishna, Guntur and Coastal Plains
The October 28 red-alert list also includes NTR, Krishna and Guntur districts. These areas could experience heavy rain, waterlogging and disruption to transport, depending on the cyclone’s movement and rainfall distribution.
Low-lying neighbourhoods, poorly drained urban areas and settlements close to streams or canals could be particularly vulnerable. Strong winds may also damage trees, power lines and temporary structures.
Odisha: Five Districts Under Red Alert, Landslide Risk Rises
Odisha may escape a direct landfall, but could experience significant impact. Southern districts are expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with the most intense spell forecast around October 28.
The IMD has issued a red alert for five districts for October 28: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. The warning covers isolated extremely heavy rainfall, with winds in the affected areas potentially reaching 50-60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph, according to reports citing the IMD.
The IMD has also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 28 in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Bargarh and Nuapada.
In these areas, the impact could include flooding in vulnerable settlements, damage to standing crops, fallen trees and disruptions to power and transport networks.
Rainfall across river catchments could also increase water inflows. Odisha authorities have reportedly considered a precautionary release of water from the Hirakud reservoir amid concerns over inflows into the Mahanadi system. Any such release would depend on reservoir conditions and official operational decisions.
Authorities Brace For Impact
Andhra Pradesh has stepped up emergency preparations, with Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha directing power utilities to remain on high alert. Officials have kept 25,000 electric poles and essential materials ready to facilitate repairs and restore electricity after damage, according to reports.
Odisha has also mobilised rescue teams and deployed senior administrative officers to vulnerable districts. Authorities have restricted fishing, while schools and colleges in the five red-alert districts are reported to be scheduled for closure on October 28 and 29.
Residents should avoid entering flooded roads, streams or river channels, and stay away from fallen power lines. People living in landslide-prone or low-lying areas should follow evacuation orders without delay. Fishermen should remain ashore in accordance with official advisories.
With the October 27-29 period expected to bring the most significant weather impacts, the idea is to prepare early. Even if Cyclone Arnab’s eventual path shifts, heavy rainfall alone could cause serious disruption across parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
