Cyclone Arnab Weakens Into Deep Depression; Odisha Braces for More Rain as Andhra Pradesh Reports Five Deaths

IMD expects the system to weaken further on Thursday; over 20,000 people evacuated in coastal Andhra Pradesh, while Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu seeks Centre’s assistance

Cyclonic storm Arnab weakened into a deep depression after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, October 28, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting further weakening on Thursday.

In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD said the system was very likely to weaken into a depression by Thursday morning and subsequently into a well-marked low-pressure area by the evening.

The storm has triggered heavy rainfall across parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said at least 17 districts in southern Odisha had been affected by heavy rain, which was expected to continue until Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, at least five people have died in Andhra Pradesh, prompting Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to announce relief and compensation measures for affected families, farmers, fishermen and businesses.

Heavy Rainfall Affects 17 Districts in Southern Odisha

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab had affected at least 17 districts in southern Odisha.

The state is expected to experience further heavy rainfall until Thursday morning as the weather system weakens.

The IMD’s latest assessment indicated that the system would continue losing intensity, first weakening into a depression and then into a well-marked low-pressure area.

Five Deaths Reported in Andhra Pradesh

At least five people have died in Andhra Pradesh following the cyclone’s impact. Two of the reported deaths occurred in Bhimavaram in West Godavari district.

More than 20,000 people were evacuated from coastal districts ahead of the storm’s arrival as authorities prepared for its impact.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced a relief and compensation package for affected families, farmers, fishermen and businesses.

Chandrababu Naidu Seeks Centre’s Assistance

On Wednesday, Naidu spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the phone and briefed him on the cyclone and its impact on Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister sought assistance from the Union government to deal with the aftermath of the very severe cyclonic storm.

With the system weakening, the immediate focus remains on the continuing rainfall, the safety of evacuated residents and relief measures for those affected across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.