Cyclone Arnab 2026: Key Facts, Odisha’s & Andhra Pradesh’s preparedness, Tropical Cyclone and Disaster Management 2005

Why in news?

On October 26, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm Arnab.

Key Facts 

What is Cyclone Arnab?

• Cyclone Arnab is a tropical cyclone developing over the Bay of Bengal.
• A tropical cyclone is a rotating low-pressure weather system that develops over warm tropical or subtropical ocean waters.
• Cyclone Arnab developed from a depression over the Bay of Bengal and intensified into a deep depression before becoming a named cyclonic storm.

Cyclone Arnab: Development Stages

• Depression: A low-pressure system develops over the Bay of Bengal.
• Deep Depression: The system intensifies and wind speeds increase.
• Cyclonic Storm: The system reaches the threshold for naming and is named Arnab.
• Severe Cyclonic Storm: Further intensification is forecast by October 26.
• Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: The system is expected to intensify further on October 27.

Impact of Cyclone Arnab on Odisha

• The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in southern Odisha, with extremely heavy rainfall possible at isolated locations.
• Districts likely to experience significant rainfall include Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi. 
• Heavy rainfall may also affect other southern and coastal districts depending on the cyclone's movement.
• Southern Odisha is expected to experience strong winds as the cyclone approaches. Wind speeds of around 80–90 km/h have been reported in forecasts for vulnerable southern districts.
• The Odisha government has announced the closure of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five southern districts on October 28 and 29.

Impact of Cyclone Arnab on Andhra Pradesh

• Major Vulnerable Areas are Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari and Bapatla. 
• The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam between October 27 and 29. Extremely heavy rainfall is possible at isolated locations on October 27 and 28.
• The cyclone is expected to make landfall with sustained winds of 115-125 km/h, gusting up to 140 km/h. Such wind speeds may damage weak structures, power lines, trees and coastal infrastructure.
• Storm surge, depending on the cyclone's intensity and coastal conditions, may also increase flooding risks.
• The Andhra Pradesh government has reviewed the situation and directed officials to remain alert.
• Authorities are preparing for evacuation arrangements, relief centres, emergency medical facilities, drinking water and food supplies and coordination between disaster response agencies.

Odisha Government's Preparedness

• Ministerial deployment: Eight ministers have been assigned to oversee preparedness in vulnerable districts.
• District coordination: Officials have been directed to remain alert and coordinate response arrangements.
• Emergency response: Disaster response personnel and equipment are being mobilised.
• Public safety: Authorities are focusing on vulnerable settlements and low-lying areas.
• Weather monitoring: District administrations are monitoring IMD forecasts and preparing for heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Andhra Pradesh's Preparedness

• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the state's preparedness.
• Officials have been directed to alert people living in low-lying areas.
• Relief centres are being prepared for vulnerable communities.
• Essential services and emergency response arrangements are being reviewed.
• Disaster response teams are being mobilised for rescue and relief operations.
• Reports indicate that 10 NDRF teams and 11 SDRF teams are being deployed for emergency response.
• Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, while those already at sea have been asked to return to the coast.

What is a Tropical Cyclone?

• A tropical cyclone is an intense low-pressure weather system that forms over warm ocean waters.
• It develops through the interaction of oceanic and atmospheric conditions.

Conditions Required for Cyclone Formation

• Warm Ocean Water: Sea-surface temperatures of around 26.5°C or higher over sufficient depth provide energy for cyclone formation.
• High Atmospheric Moisture: Moist air supports cloud formation, condensation and the release of latent heat.
• Low Vertical Wind Shear: Low wind shear allows the cyclone's circulation to remain organised.
• Pre-existing Disturbance: A low-pressure system or atmospheric disturbance provides the initial conditions for cyclone development.
• Coriolis Force: Earth's rotation helps organise the system into a rotating circulation.

Difference between Depression, Deep Depression and Cyclonic Storm

Why is the Bay of Bengal Vulnerable to Cyclones?

• Warm Ocean Waters: High sea-surface temperatures provide energy for evaporation and atmospheric convection.
• Moisture Availability: Water vapour supports cloud formation and releases latent heat during condensation.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Low-pressure disturbances and favourable wind patterns can support cyclone formation.
• Population Exposure: Dense coastal populations, fishing communities, agricultural settlements and infrastructure increase vulnerability.

Cyclone Naming: Why is it Called Arnab?

• Tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named according to a regional naming system coordinated through the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the relevant regional meteorological agencies.
• The name Arnab was contributed by Bangladesh. The name Arnab is now being used after the system intensified into a cyclonic storm on October 26, 2026. 

Role of the India Meteorological Department

• Monitoring low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
• Tracking cyclones using satellites, weather radars and numerical weather prediction models.
• Forecasting cyclone movement and intensity.
• Issuing rainfall, wind and coastal weather warnings.
• Providing information to disaster management authorities.
• Supporting evacuation and preparedness decisions.

Disaster Management in India

Significance of Cyclone Arnab

• Importance of Early Warning Systems: The role of timely weather forecasts in reducing casualties and improving evacuation preparedness.
• Disaster Preparedness: Measures adopted by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh demonstrate the importance of advance planning.
• Inter-State Coordination: Impacts may extend beyond the landfall state. Coordination between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is essential for effective response.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Highlights the need for resilient infrastructure, evacuation planning, coastal protection and community awareness.

Challenges in Managing Cyclone Arnab

• Forecast uncertainty: Cyclone intensity, track and landfall timing may change.
• Heavy rainfall: Intense rainfall may cause flooding and waterlogging
• Coastal vulnerability: Low-lying settlements may face flooding and storm-surge risks.
• Agricultural losses: Heavy rainfall and wind may damage standing crops.
• Communication gaps: Warnings may not reach every vulnerable household in time.
• Emergency coordination: Effective response requires coordination among several agencies 

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