States » EastPosted at: Oct 28 2026 2:28PM


Odisha escapes cyclone Arnab’s fury, heavy rain disrupts normal life

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28 (UNI) Odisha escaped major devastation from severe cyclonic storm Arnab, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning and is expected to weaken into a deep depression within the next 12 hours. However, heavy rain continued to disrupt normal life across several districts.
Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi were among the districts that received heavy rainfall. Widespread rain was also reported from coastal, western and northern parts of the State.
Preliminary reports indicated no loss of life or major damage to property, though isolated incidents of landslides and uprooting of trees were reported. Incessant rain disrupted normal life, particularly in southern Odisha, officials of the Special Relief Commissioner’s office said.
Some coastal pockets of Ganjam district were reportedly inundated after tidal water entered inhabited areas.
“Wind speeds were minimal, and we have been spared the cyclone’s fury. However, heavy rain continues,” said S. Ramulu, a resident of Gopalpur in Ganjam district.
While residents expressed relief over the absence of major damage, persistent rain raised concerns over agricultural losses. Standing paddy crops, many at the flowering stage, were inundated in several areas.
“The fields are flooded, and the damage could be considerable. The crop was looking promising, but the extent of losses can be assessed only after the rain subsides,” said Kapil Pradhan, a farmer from Gop in Puri district.
Residents said past disasters had made them more responsive to weather warnings. “The 1999 Super Cyclone taught us never to ignore warnings. Fishermen now stay away from the sea whenever a depression or storm is forecast,” said Raju Behera, a traditional marine fisherman from Sandhakuda near Paradip.
Durga Mohan Mohanty of Brahmagiri in Puri district said people had followed safety advisories and moved to safer places, making the cyclone a valuable test of disaster preparedness.
With the threat of severe winds receding, attention has shifted to the impact of continued rainfall, inundation and possible crop losses across the State.UNI MK AAB
Tags: #Odisha escapes cyclone Arnab’s fury# heavy rain disrupts normal life
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