Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Arnab, which weakened after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh, triggered heavy to extremely heavy rain in several districts of south Odisha on Wednesday.
According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the highest volume of rainfall of 249.9 mm was recorded at Mahendragarh in Gajapati district.
Other significant amounts included 188.0 mm at Pottangi in Koraput, 168.8 mm at Mohana in Gajapati, 161.4 mm at Ganjam station in Ganjam district, and 143.1 mm at Similiguda in Koraput. Digapahandi in Ganjam recorded 139.5 mm, while Gumma in Gajapati received 135.0 mm. Berhampur reported 131.4 mm, Gosani 128.0 mm, and Kukudahandi 127.0 mm, all in Ganjam district.
Similarly, Sankheimundi in Ganjam recorded 114.0 mm and Kashinagar in Gajapati 107.2 mm.
Several other locations registered substantial rainfall, among them R.Udayagiri (96.8 mm) in Gajapati, Rengeilunda (92.0 mm), Patrapur (89.4 mm), Purusottampur (88.0 mm), Hinjili (86.0 mm) and Kodala (84.0 mm) in Ganjam. Rainfall was also reported from Brahmagiri in Puri (78.0 mm), Bandhugaon in Koraput (77.0 mm), Balikuda in Jagatsinghpur (72.0 mm) and G.Udaygiri in Kandhamal (68.4 mm).
The IMD data shows that Gajapati and Ganjam districts bore the brunt of the cyclone’s rainfall, with multiple stations crossing the extremely heavy and very heavy rainfall thresholds.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a red warning of extremely heavy rain in six districts of Odisha as cyclone Arnab continues its movement towards the state.
Nabarangapur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam districts are likely to experience extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds of 50–70 kmph. The next 24 hours are expected to be critical as the cyclone’s impact intensifies.
Several other districts, including Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh, have been placed under heavy to very heavy rainfall alert with wind speeds of 40–60 kmph. The remaining parts of the state may also receive heavy rainfall along with winds of 30–50 kmph.
The weather system is forecast to move across Odisha towards southern Chhattisgarh, which could prolong the spell of rain and strong winds over large parts of the state.
The IMD has advised residents in the affected districts to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories closely during the crucial period ahead.
