Odisha braces for Cyclone Arnab as thousands evacuated ahead of landfall

Odisha is preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Arnab with emergency evacuation operations underway across vulnerable coastal districts. State authorities have relocated over 8,000 people from low-lying areas to designated shelter facilities, while senior government ministers have rushed to affected regions to oversee relief and preparedness measures.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of squally conditions along the Odisha coastline, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 70 kilometres per hour. Heavy rainfall is already lashing coastal areas as the cyclone moves closer to landfall.

Fishermen have been directed to avoid venturing into the sea until at least the morning of September 25, as dangerous maritime conditions persist across the Bay of Bengal. The IMD cautioned that coastal communities should remain vigilant and follow instructions from local disaster management authorities.

State administration officials are coordinating with disaster response teams to ensure adequate supplies of food, water, and medical assistance at evacuation centres. Schools and public buildings in coastal zones have been prepared as temporary shelters for those displaced by the cyclone.