Odisha on Alert as Cyclone Arnab Brings Flash Flood Risk

Cyclone Arnab has pushed Odisha into a state of heightened alert. While the storm is already bringing heavy rain across the state, the most serious concern is the threat of flash floods, which can develop rapidly and cause severe damage.

Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has cautioned that heavy rainfall in the upper catchments of rivers in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand could raise flood risks in the western and northern regions of Odisha. Because many rivers flow across state borders, rain falling far upstream can eventually affect Odisha's low-lying areas.

If intense rain continues in these upper zones, river levels can climb quickly. A sudden surge of water reaching lower areas within a short span can trigger flash floods, submerging riverside villages, roads and farmland.

Districts facing the greatest threat

The India Meteorological Department has declared an orange alert for Puri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. In these districts, rainfall of 12 to 20 centimetres is forecast.

Sixteen districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack and Khurda, are under a yellow alert, with seven to 11 centimetres of rain expected.

Heavy rain has also increased landslide risks in hill areas. Movement of people in vulnerable zones has been restricted by the administration.

Large-scale evacuation planned

The Odisha government plans to move around 48,000 people from low-lying regions and landslide-prone areas to secure shelters. About 11,000 people each are targeted for evacuation from Gajapati and Nabarangpur.

Evacuation efforts are also in progress in Malkangiri, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Nuapada.

Shelters and rescue teams ready

A total of 135 permanent shelters and about 1,600 temporary shelters have been set up across the state. In all, 294 teams have been deployed for relief and rescue work, comprising nine NDRF teams, 60 State Disaster Response Force teams and 225 fire service teams.

Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh on watch

Jharkhand has received heavy rain warnings for several districts, and schools in Ranchi have been ordered shut on October 28 and 29.

In Chhattisgarh, the districts of Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada and Narayanpur have been told to remain particularly vigilant.

The weather office has also estimated a moderate flash flood risk for parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh on October 28. The coming days will test the administration's ability to track rainfall and river water levels closely.