Cyclone Arnab to weaken as southern India braces for aftermath

The India Meteorological Department has forecast that Cyclone Arnab will weaken into a depression on October 29 as it moves inland, providing some relief to affected regions across South India. The severe cyclonic storm has already unleashed significant rainfall and wind damage across multiple districts in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the past 24 hours.

Odisha's southern districts have borne the brunt of the cyclone's impact, with at least 17 districts reporting heavy rainfall and accompanying weather disruptions. Authorities in these regions have been mobilising relief and rescue operations as the storm intensified throughout October 28.

Andhra Pradesh has reported five fatalities linked to the cyclone, prompting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to announce relief measures for affected communities. The state government has initiated damage assessment and emergency response protocols across vulnerable areas in its coastal and interior districts.

With the cyclone expected to weaken in the coming hours, meteorological agencies are continuing to monitor its trajectory and intensity. Residents in both states have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official guidance as cleanup and recovery operations prepare to commence once the system moves away from the region.