Cyclone Arnab Weakens into Deep Depression; IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts Across Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Arnab has weakened into a deep depression over parts of south Odisha and adjoining regions, but the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to continue across several districts of the state.
According to the IMD, the weather system moved northward after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast and lost cyclonic strength, transforming into a deep depression over south Odisha, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Chhattisgarh and northeast Telangana.
The system was located near Malkangiri and is expected to weaken further into a depression and subsequently into a low-pressure area.
Despite the weakening of the system, authorities have cautioned that its impact on weather conditions remains significant.
Intense rainfall activity is expected across many parts of Odisha, raising concerns about waterlogging, flash floods and disruption to normal life.
The IMD has issued Red Alerts for the most vulnerable districts, including Gajapati, Ganjam and Malkangiri, where isolated places may receive extremely heavy rainfall.
Several other districts remain under Orange Alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.
Districts such as Bargarh, Jharsuguda and Sundargarh have also been advised to remain alert, while Yellow Warnings have been issued for numerous northern and western Odisha districts.
The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority and district administrations are closely monitoring the situation.
Officials have been directed to remain prepared for emergency response, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Residents have been urged to follow weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and stay updated through official IMD bulletins.
As the system continues to weaken, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to gradually subside.
However, the immediate threat of heavy rain and localised flooding remains a concern across large parts of Odisha.
