Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, prompting alerts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the cyclone is expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the morning of October 28. The storm has been moving west-northwest at a speed of 23 kmph, according to the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar.

As of 11.30 pm on October 26, the cyclone was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 86.0°E, approximately 400 km south-southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha. It was also reported to be 350 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 420 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 520 km east of Machilipatnam, and 590 km east of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh. The IMD has stated that the cyclone is likely to continue its west-northwest movement until the evening of October 27 before shifting to a northwest trajectory.

The maximum sustained wind speeds are projected to be between 115-125 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kmph. Continuous monitoring of the cyclone is being conducted by the Doppler Weather Radar situated in Visakhapatnam.

Precautionary Measures Implemented in Odisha

Furthermore, the administration has assured that Dry Ration and Take-Home Ration (THR) will be delivered directly to beneficiaries’ homes during the closure. This initiative aims to ensure that nutritional support continues uninterrupted despite the adverse weather conditions.

The Odisha State Transport Authority has also issued guidelines to ensure safe vehicle movement and transport preparedness in light of the cyclone. These measures are designed to safeguard the public and facilitate effective transportation during the storm.

Media Advisory and Public Communication

The Odisha government has released an advisory aimed at media outlets and digital platforms, urging them to refrain from spreading false or misleading information regarding Cyclone Arnab. The advisory emphasises the importance of relying on official updates from the IMD, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), district administrations, and other authorised bodies for accurate information.

Media organisations have been cautioned against circulating unverified messages, unofficial cyclone tracks, or alarming predictions on social media. The government has requested that forecasts be clearly attributed to authoritative sources to prevent confusion and panic among the public.

Additionally, print, electronic, and digital media are advised to exercise caution and not present speculative models or third-party predictions as confirmed warnings. This approach aims to ensure that the public receives reliable information during the cyclone’s approach, thereby enhancing safety and preparedness.

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