Cyclone Arnab has weakened significantly after causing disruption across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, but the region is not yet free from the threat of heavy rain. A fresh low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea is expected to strengthen into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal around October 31 and move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast in the following days. The developing weather system could bring another spell of rainfall to parts of the eastern coast from November 1.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the new system formed over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining areas on Thursday, October 29. It is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbouring areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Andaman Sea around Saturday. It may strengthen further and continue towards the Andhra Pradesh coast over the subsequent two days.
Weather models broadly indicate that the system could develop into a depression, although there are differences in their projections about how strong it may become. The developing system is also expected to influence rainfall in Odisha. The IMD’s forecast suggests that southern districts, many of which have already experienced heavy rain due to Arnab, could receive another spell of downpour.
Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam are among the districts likely to receive heavy rainfall at isolated places on November 1. The possibility of further rain is a concern for residents and farmers who are still dealing with the impact of the previous cyclone. The authorities will need to monitor the system closely as it moves across the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, the remnants of Cyclone Arnab have continued to weaken after moving inland. The storm, which crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast earlier in the week, had weakened into a depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha. It subsequently weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha at around 5.30 pm on October 29, according to the IMD.
The system is expected to move north-northeastwards and weaken further into a low-pressure area over northeast Chhattisgarh and neighbouring regions during the next 24 hours. Although it has lost its cyclonic strength, its remaining circulation can continue to influence rainfall over parts of central and eastern India.
The impact of Arnab has also been felt in Jharkhand, where heavy rainfall has damaged standing paddy crops. State Disaster Management Minister Irfan Ansari has asked deputy commissioners in all districts to conduct field inspections and assess agricultural losses. Officials have been directed to prepare lists of affected farmers and ensure that eligible families receive compensation under existing government guidelines.
The minister has asked district administrations to send teams to villages and inspect damaged fields rather than relying only on preliminary reports. The assessment will help the government identify the extent of crop losses and determine the relief required. For farmers who depend on the paddy harvest for their income, damage at this stage of cultivation can create serious financial difficulties.
The state government has also instructed health authorities to strengthen emergency arrangements. Hospitals and health centres have been asked to maintain additional beds, medicines, oxygen supplies, ambulances and medical equipment. Officials have been told to prepare for emergencies involving lightning strikes, snakebites and rain-related illnesses. Heavy rainfall alerts had covered districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Simdega until Friday morning.
Transport services have also been affected by the damage caused by Arnab. More than two dozen trains were cancelled, while several others were diverted or had their journeys shortened after flooding affected the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section of the Visakhapatnam railway division in Andhra Pradesh.
Among the services affected were the Visakhapatnam-Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat Express, Junagarh Road-Bhubaneswar Superfast Express and Puri-Gunupur Express. Further cancellations and diversions were announced for October 30, while the Mumbai CSMT-Bhubaneswar New Konark Express was cancelled for October 31. Railway officials said services on the affected stretch would resume only after water levels receded and the track was declared safe for operations.
The fresh weather system has therefore created an additional challenge for states still recovering from the cyclone. While Arnab has weakened into a low-pressure area, the possibility of renewed rain means that flood-prone areas, damaged infrastructure and agricultural land will require continued attention.
The coming days will be important for the eastern coast as the new system moves across the Bay of Bengal. Its development and direction will determine the intensity and spread of rainfall over Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Authorities and residents have been advised to follow IMD updates and local administration instructions rather than assume that the weakening of Arnab marks the end of the adverse weather.
