Cyclone Arnab Triggers Bengal Weather Warning, Fishing Ban Imposed

Kolkata, October 27: West Bengal's weather department has sounded a warning as Cyclone Arnab is expected to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm and strike the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata has alerted several coastal districts to prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and gale-force gusts in the coming days.

A fishing ban is in place until Thursday, and fishermen have been told not to go into the sea. Rough seas and high waves are expected from Tuesday. Boats still at sea have been asked to come back to the shore by Monday.

On Tuesday, South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, West Medinipur and Jhargram may witness thunderstorms and winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly are likely to get light to moderate showers.

Conditions are forecast to deteriorate on Wednesday, with heavy rainfall expected in South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, West Medinipur and Jhargram. Winds in these four districts could blow at 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone's influence may also bring intermittent rain and strong winds to Kolkata and other south Bengal districts.

Heavy rain has been forecast for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in north Bengal on Thursday and Friday. Continuous rain may increase the danger of landslides in hill areas.

There are also concerns over rising water levels in rivers and the sea, and tidal waves, as a deep depression coincides with high tide. Heavy rain, gusty winds and swelling waters together pose a risk to people living in vulnerable coastal areas.

Coastal police stations at Fraserganj, Gangasagar and Govardhanpur in South 24 Parganas have begun spreading warnings. Residents of Namkhana's coastline are being alerted through public address systems. Civil defence personnel have been posted in sensitive coastal areas, including Sagar and Namkhana, for emergency help and disaster management. The administration has raised its alert level in coastal zones amid the threat of the cyclone.