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Central Team Begins Assessment of Cyclone Arnab Damage in Southern Odisha

An eight-member central team on Tuesday started a two-day visit to southern Odisha. The team will assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the floods that followed last week, news agency PTI reported.

The team will examine the impact on agriculture, infrastructure, roads, power and water resources. It will also review ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the Inter-Ministerial Central Team is led by Ravi Shankar, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The team visited Gajapati district on Tuesday. It will travel to Ganjam district on Wednesday.

The Centre sent the team after the Odisha government sought an assessment of the damage. Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28 and triggered floods in the state. The state government reported extensive damage in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts in southern Odisha.

According to PTI, the team members will conduct a detailed assessment on the ground. They will examine the damage across different sectors. Officials from several Union ministries and departments are taking part in the exercise.

Shankar held preliminary discussions with state government officials on Monday. After the talks, the team left for Gajapati in separate groups.

The Odisha government has already completed a preliminary assessment of the damage. Besides Shankar, the team includes representatives from the ministries of agriculture, finance, Jal Shakti, power, road transport and highways, and rural development, as well as the Indian Space Research Organisation.

The central team will complete its two-day assessment in Gajapati and Ganjam. It will cover the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods, along with the progress of relief and rehabilitation work.

Indian Railways Cancels Nine Trains Ahead of Cyclone Murasu Landfall

Indian Railways has cancelled nine trains as a precautionary measure ahead of Cyclone Murasu. The severe cyclonic storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur during the night of November 2 and the early hours of November 3. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

Current Position of the Storm

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin issued on Monday, Cyclone Murasu was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 2:30 pm. It was located near latitude 14.3°N and longitude 80.9°E, approximately 100 km east of Nellore and 120 km southeast of Kavali. The storm moved nearly northwestwards at around 10 kmph during the preceding six hours. The IMD said it is very likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclonic storm between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3.

Train Cancellations by South Coast Railway

South Coast Railway (SCoR) has cancelled nine passenger and express services operating across Andhra Pradesh. The step aims to minimise risks and avoid inconvenience to passengers during the cyclone. Passengers travelling on these routes have been advised to check the latest train status and cancellation updates before starting their journeys.

Emergency Preparedness Measures

South Coast Railway has strengthened its emergency preparedness. It has established 24×7 war rooms at its zonal and divisional headquarters to coordinate response and monitor the situation. General Manager Sandeep Mathur reviewed precautionary measures, disaster management plans, and passenger assistance arrangements during a meeting with divisional officials.

The zone has intensified round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable bridges, tracks, yards, and signalling systems. Special attention is being given to clearing debris from catch-water drains to prevent waterlogging. Patrolmen and watchmen have been deployed at vulnerable locations, while emergency track maintenance materials have been kept ready. Officials have also been directed to maintain close coordination with state government authorities and regularly monitor IMD weather bulletins.

Passenger Assistance Arrangements

South Coast Railway has strengthened passenger assistance at major stations. Help desks have been set up to provide information on train cancellations and travel updates. Additional counters will operate to facilitate refunds for cancelled tickets if required. Catering units have been instructed to maintain adequate food stocks, and alternative power supply arrangements are in place at key locations. Medical teams, first-aid facilities, and ambulances are ready to provide round-the-clock emergency assistance.

Civil Defence personnel and Scouts & Guides volunteers have been alerted. Railway crews have been placed on standby to operate special trains if needed. Emergency response teams are also prepared to assist areas affected by the cyclone.

Continuous Monitoring

The IMD is tracking Cyclone Murasu through Doppler Weather Radars at Chennai, Machilipatnam, and Visakhapatnam. The weather department expects the storm to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, with sustained winds of 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph. Therefore, authorities continue to urge caution as the system approaches landfall.

New Cyclone Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal and Threatens Andhra Pradesh Coast

A new cyclone is gathering strength over the Bay of Bengal. Satellite images from space are capturing its gradual intensification as it moves towards India’s eastern coastline. Less than a week after the remnants of Cyclone Arnab swept across central India, another powerful weather system is now threatening coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a clear warning. The deep depression over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next six hours. It is then expected to strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm by November 2.

The latest INSAT-3DS thermal infrared satellite imagery, captured between 11:30 am and 11:57 am on November 1, shows a well-organised cloud system swirling over the Bay of Bengal, southeast of the Indian peninsula. The developing system displays a prominent spiral cloud structure. This indicates an organised weather disturbance that is gaining strength over warm ocean waters.

According to the IMD, the deep depression moved west-northwestwards at around 20 kmph during the three hours before its latest update. At 8:30 am on Sunday, November 1, it was centred over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. The system lay approximately 630 km east-southeast of Chennai, 710 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 710 km east-southeast of Nellore.

The IMD expects the system to continue moving west-northwestwards. It is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal before becoming a severe cyclonic storm on November 2.

The most concerning part of the forecast is the projected landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coastline. The IMD has warned that the severe cyclonic storm is very likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur by the morning of November 3. At landfall, the system could pack sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

Such winds can damage houses, uproot trees and disrupt electricity and communication networks. They can also create dangerous conditions for people living along the coast. The approaching system comes at a time when the Bay of Bengal is witnessing another round of intense weather activity following Cyclone Arnab.

For Andhra Pradesh, the next 48 hours will be critical. Meteorologists are tracking the storm’s intensity, movement and eventual landfall location. Satellite observations will remain crucial in monitoring the system as it moves closer to the coastline. Its final intensity and precise landfall location will determine the scale of the impact across coastal districts.

IMD Forecasts Above-Normal Temperatures and Below-Normal Rainfall for Most of India in November

Most parts of India are likely to record above-normal maximum temperatures in November, according to the India Meteorological Department’s monthly forecast reported by news agency Press Trust of India. However, some areas along the Himalayan foothills may experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures.

Minimum temperatures are also expected to remain above normal across most of the country. Yet many parts of central and eastern India are likely to record normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.

Rainfall Outlook

The IMD said rainfall is likely to be below normal in most parts of India during November. Some areas in central, northwest, and Northeast India may receive normal to above-normal rainfall. The country as a whole is expected to receive 77 per cent of its long-period average rainfall for the month, PTI reported. The long-period average is the average rainfall recorded in a region over a period of 30 to 50 years. India’s average rainfall for November, based on data from 1971 to 2020, is about 29.7 mm.

South Peninsular India is also likely to receive 77 per cent of its long-period average rainfall in November. The region’s average rainfall for the month, based on data from 1971 to 2020, is about 118.7 mm, according to the IMD.

El Nino Conditions

The department said very strong El Nino conditions are currently prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Forecasts from the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecast System and other global climate models indicate that these conditions are likely to continue during November and December.

El Nino is one of the three phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation. This climate phenomenon is linked to changes in sea temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and fluctuations in the atmosphere above it. El Nino usually has a warming effect on the planet, while its opposite phase, La Nina, generally has a cooling effect. The phenomenon also has a neutral phase.

A very strong El Nino can disrupt normal temperature and rainfall patterns. It can cause severe drought in some regions, heavy rain and flooding in others, and increased heat across large parts of the world. Overall, the IMD expects a warmer and drier-than-normal November across much of India, with some regional exceptions.

Thousands Evacuated in West Bengal After Bhutan Glacial Lake Warning

Authorities safely evacuated thousands of residents in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district since Thursday. They moved people to higher ground and emergency shelter homes. Jalpaiguri district stayed on high alert. Bhutan issued a warning about a possible breach in a glacial lake. The glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF, involved Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s Gasa district. This prompted alerts in several districts of Assam and West Bengal. Officials worried about rising water levels along the Sankosh River in India.

Local authorities acted quickly. They evacuated residents from vulnerable riverbank and forest areas as a precaution. Emergency shelters and disaster response teams stood ready. District officials later confirmed that the situation showed signs of easing. Water levels in the Sankosh River receded. No major damage or casualties occurred so far.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said Friday that everything is completely normal. He noted that the superintendent of police, ministers, MLAs, and the district magistrate stayed on-site through the night until 4 am. They remained in constant contact with the control room. Adhikari added that authorities established contact with all 47 people reported missing earlier. All of them are safe.

Amit Kumar Shaw, Superintendent of Police of Alipurduar, briefed reporters after inspecting the Sankosh River banks and shelter homes. He said there is no cause for panic. Authorities remain prepared for any contingency. Shaw reported that teams safely relocated over 6,000 to 7,000 people. They arranged shelters for more than 4,000 people in local schools. These shelters received essential rations and baby food. Alipurduar police and district authorities worked closely together. They also maintained direct communication with officials in Bhutan. Shaw said they receive updates minute by minute. The latest report shows that the water level upstream has receded slightly. Therefore, officials hope to avoid major flooding, although levels will rise to some extent. He reassured residents of forest villages such as Sankosh, Biri Bari, Volka, and Haldibari. Police and disaster response units will stay on the ground through the night. Shaw acknowledged that leaving home overnight is difficult. However, life and safety remain the top priority. With cooperation, the area can navigate the period safely.

Authorities stepped up monitoring of all rivers flowing from the Bhutan hills after the warning. District teams deployed public address systems across river-adjacent blocks, including Nagrakata and Banarhat in Jalpaiguri. They warned communities to stay on high alert. In Alipurduar, the administration set up relief centres in local schools for over 4,000 displaced people. These centres supplied dry rations, baby food, and relief kits organised by the district magistrate and block development officers. Teams from Civil Defence and the State Disaster Response Force managed relief operations. They stood ready to coordinate further evacuations if necessary.

As the Sankosh River water level receded and stabilised, many people who spent the night in shelters began returning home. Despite the current stability, officials said the region is not entirely out of danger. Dark rain clouds continue to hover over the Dooars region. Intermittent light rainfall falls across the foothills and upper reaches of Bhutan. Additional rain in the Bhutan hills can rapidly swell downriver water levels. Therefore, both district administrations remain on high alert. They continuously monitor weather developments and river discharge. Officials in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar continue to track real-time hydrological data from Bhutan. They keep response teams ready for any unexpected surge.

Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Howrah-Chennai Train Services in Odisha

Cyclone Arnab has disrupted train services on the Howrah-Chennai route. Nine trains stand cancelled and 14 others have been diverted on Thursday. The disruptions followed after the Bahuda river crossed the danger mark at two railway bridges in Odisha’s Ganjam district, officials said.

Multiple Trains Cancelled and Diverted

The Vande Bharat Express between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam is among the cancelled services. The Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Intercity Express and the Visakha Express, which connects Bhubaneswar with Secunderabad in Telangana, have also been cancelled. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) confirmed these cancellations.

Train operations have been affected in the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section of the Visakhapatnam division. Water levels rose above the danger mark at two bridges along the route. An official said nine trains have been cancelled and 14 others diverted to ensure passenger safety. Railway officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Services will resume once the water level recedes and the section is declared safe for train operations.

Heavy Rainfall Raises River Levels

The East Coast Railway stated that Ganjam district received 550 mm of rainfall due to Cyclone Arnab. This caused the Bahuda river’s water level to rise sharply. Water levels at the Baghalati Dam on the Bahuda river crossed the danger mark after the heavy rainfall. As a result, water levels increased near the railway bridges between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi. This affected train movement in the section.

Officials have taken precautionary measures to protect passengers. Several trains operating on the Howrah-Chennai route have been diverted.

Support Arranged for Affected Passengers

Passengers remain stranded at different locations because of the disruption. Railway authorities have arranged food and drinking water for them. Additional personnel have also been deployed to guide passengers, address their concerns, and provide assistance, the East Coast Railway said.

Train services in the affected section will resume after water levels recede. Railway officials will first confirm that the tracks and bridges are safe for operations.

Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall Along Andhra Pradesh Coast with Strong Winds and Heavy Rain

A very severe cyclonic storm hit the eastern coast of India on October 28. Parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh faced its impact. Cyclone Arnab became the first named cyclone of the year. It made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast and brought strong winds and heavy rainfall.

People walked through strong winds and rainfall at a coastal area in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, during the landfall.

The Indian Meteorological Department’s regional specialised meteorological centre first noticed the storm brewing on October 25. Peak sustained winds reached 125-135 km/h. The strongest gusts clocked 150 km/h. Early on Wednesday, the cyclone remained practically stationary along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The landfall process is expected to continue for the next two to three hours, according to the IMD.

Who Names Cyclones and Why?
The name Arnab was suggested by Bangladesh and is pronounced “Ornab.” In Bengali, the word means ocean or sea. It appears on the official list of names for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.

The name does not mean the cyclone originated in Bangladesh. It also does not suggest that Bangladesh will face the storm. Names come from a common regional list, regardless of where a cyclone develops or makes landfall. The next name in the sequence is selected automatically. It is not chosen based on the storm’s severity, path, or potential damage.

Not every weather disturbance over the sea becomes a named cyclone. A system must first intensify to a set threshold. A tropical cyclone receives a name when its maximum sustained surface wind speed reaches at least 34 knots, or about 62 kilometres per hour. The IMD monitors the system and assigns the next name once the criteria are met. A low-pressure area or depression can form over the Bay of Bengal without receiving a name right away. The name arrives only after the system reaches the required intensity.

How Are Cyclones Named?
In 2000, a group of nations under WMO/ESCAP decided to start naming cyclones in the region. The group included Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. After each country sent suggestions, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones finalised the list.

In 2018, the panel expanded to include five more countries: Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The latest list of 169 cyclone names, released by the IMD in April, came from these 13 countries. Each country provided 13 suggestions. The new list included the last unused name from the previous list, Amphan.

Why Is Naming Important?
Names make cyclones easier for people to remember than numbers or technical terms. They also help the scientific community, the media, and disaster managers. A name allows easy identification of individual cyclones. It supports awareness of development, rapid sharing of warnings, better community preparedness, and reduced confusion when multiple systems form in the same region.

Rules for Choosing Names
Countries follow clear guidelines when proposing names. The Panel on Tropical Cyclones accepts a name if it meets these rules:

• The name must stay neutral to politics, political figures, religious beliefs, cultures, and gender.
• It should not hurt the sentiments of any group of people around the world.
• It must not be rude or cruel.
• It should be short, easy to pronounce, and not offensive to any member.
• The maximum length is eight letters.
• The proposer must provide the pronunciation and a voice-over.
• Names for tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean are never repeated. Once used, a name is retired.

Thus, every name must be new.

Very Severe Cyclone Arnab Heads Toward Andhra Pradesh Coast for Landfall on Wednesday

Cyclonic storm Arnab moved west-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracked the system as it intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm. Heavy rain and disruptions already affected parts of Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, authorities stepped up precautionary measures ahead of the expected landfall on Wednesday.

According to the IMD, the cyclone moved at around 20 kmph in the six hours before its 11.30 am bulletin. It was centred near latitude 16.2°N and longitude 83.7°E. The storm lay about 170 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 180 km east-southeast of Kakinada, and 270 km east of Machilipatnam. It was also located 350 km east of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh and 370 km south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.

The IMD said the cyclone was very likely to continue moving west-northwestwards until Tuesday evening. Thereafter, it is expected to turn northwestwards. As a result, it is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. The system is expected to make landfall with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph.

Andhra Pradesh remains on high alert. Officials planned evacuations and other measures to protect life and property. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to shift people from low-lying areas to safer locations. He also ordered essential supplies to be stocked at relief camps. In addition, more than 1,300 pregnant women were moved to hospitals. Rising sea waves reached coastal areas in Kakinada district’s Pithapuram region, affecting places such as Uppada, Konapapet, and Moolapet.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reported that the cyclone’s effects had already begun. Heavy rainfall is likely soon in north coastal Andhra districts. Srikakulam district is expected to see heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. Meanwhile, strong winds had already started in coastal districts including Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. The state government released ₹27 crore to 20 districts for relief and response operations.

Odisha also intensified preparations. Heavy rains and strong winds lashed parts of the state. The Special Relief Commissioner said the government planned to move at least 48,000 people from low-lying and landslide-prone areas by evening. The highest numbers, around 11,000 each, were targeted in Gajapati and Nabarangpur districts. The IMD issued an orange warning for six districts and a yellow warning for 16 others.

Railways took precautionary steps. South Central Railway and South Coast Railway cancelled several train services on October 27 and 28. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed preparations. He said war rooms were active and passenger safety remained the top priority. Additionally, Air India issued an advisory warning that weather linked to the cyclone could affect flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

Overall, the IMD continues to monitor the very severe cyclonic storm closely. Residents in coastal areas have been advised to follow local instructions and avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rain and strong winds.

Cyclone Arnab Set to Strengthen and Bring Heavy Rain to Eastern India

Cyclone Arnab is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, October 27. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall along coastal Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the system will trigger widespread rain alerts across eastern and central India in the coming days.

The weather system currently lies over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It moved westwards at about 15 kmph. The IMD placed the storm near latitude 15.4° North and longitude 88.5° East. This position sits roughly 580 km southeast of Gopalpur and 60 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam.

Forecast Track and Intensity

The cyclone is very likely to move west-northwestwards. It will strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm before becoming a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27. Therefore, conditions over the Bay will grow more intense through the day.

The system is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the evening of October 28. Maximum sustained winds may reach 115-125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph. However, exact timing and strength can shift slightly as the storm approaches land.

Rainfall Warnings by Day

On Tuesday, the IMD expects isolated extremely heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam. Heavy to very heavy rain is also likely over Odisha. Thunderstorms may affect coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The threat expands on Wednesday, October 28. Extremely heavy rain is likely over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. Vidarbha may see very heavy rainfall. Parts of eastern Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal could receive heavy showers.

On Thursday, October 29, extremely heavy rainfall is likely over east Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. East Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha may experience very heavy rain. Several other regions could see heavy showers as well.

The IMD has further warned of very heavy rainfall over east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on October 30. Heavy rain is also likely over parts of eastern and northern India. Moreover, these forecasts call for continued caution across multiple states.

Other Systems Add to the Pattern

A low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas near south coastal Tamil Nadu is also influencing conditions. A western disturbance appears as a cyclonic circulation over north Haryana, while another lies over southwest Rajasthan. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of October 27.

In the preceding 24 hours, Tamil Nadu recorded very heavy rainfall. Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands received heavy rain. Therefore, the developing cyclone and these additional systems are expected to keep several parts of the country on alert through the week.

IMD Issues Cyclone Alert as Very Severe Storm Forms in Bay of Bengal

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for a very severe cyclonic storm developing in the west-central Bay of Bengal. Heavy rainfall is expected in several states over the next few days. As a result, government agencies have been placed on high alert.

According to the IMD, coastal Andhra Pradesh will receive very heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28. Odisha and Telangana are likely to see similar conditions on October 28. Chhattisgarh is also expected to receive heavy rains on October 28 and 29. In addition, warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall have been issued for Odisha on October 27 and 29, and for eastern Madhya Pradesh on October 29.

Rainfall Forecast Across South and Central India

In South India, significant rainfall is anticipated in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on October 25. Kerala and Mahe are expected to receive heavy showers from October 25 to 27. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam will face heavy rainfall from October 27 to 29. Meanwhile, Telangana is likely to see storms and lightning on October 28 and 29.

In Central India, western Madhya Pradesh will experience rainfall from October 28 to 31. Eastern Madhya Pradesh is expected to receive rain on October 31. Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha will also see scattered rainfall during this period, with potential thunderstorms and lightning on October 29 and 30.

Residents Advised to Remain Prepared

Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and prepared. The developing storm and associated heavy rainfall may lead to severe disruptions in the coming days. Authorities continue to monitor the system closely as it intensifies over the Bay of Bengal.