New Delhi: The severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ has triggered a dramatic shift in weather patterns across India, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. In Andhra Pradesh, heavy rains and fierce winds have claimed the lives of five people and caused extensive damage to standing crops and public infrastructure.
Reacting to the crisis, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. Furthermore, he assured financial assistance to the farmers whose crops have been ravaged by the sudden torrential downpours. According to official statements, the Chief Minister is scheduled to embark on a two-day tour of the cyclone-hit regions starting today to personally review the ground situation and oversee the ongoing relief operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued extensive weather warnings, indicating that the impact of Cyclone Arnab is extending far beyond the southern peninsula. Alongside the continuous heavy downpour expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh, an alert has been sounded for southern Odisha, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and surging sea waves. Weather officials predict thunderstorms and strong winds will continue to batter the Rayalaseema region until November 1.
The cyclone’s massive weather system has notably altered conditions in northern, central, and eastern India. On Tuesday morning, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced sudden thundershowers and gusty winds, dropping temperatures significantly. The meteorological department stated that these unsettled conditions are likely to persist in the capital until October 30.
A similar weather pattern is sweeping through Uttar Pradesh, where the local weather office has predicted heavy rainfall and hailstorms in 21 districts, alongside lightning and thunderstorm warnings in 38 districts. Eastern Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness widespread rainfall on October 30.
Neighbouring states are also bracing for the prolonged impact. Meteorological forecasts indicate that Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal will experience continuous rain spells until October 30. Meanwhile, weather officials have issued severe rainfall warnings for eastern Madhya Pradesh, with the wet spell extending up to the weekend for regions including Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Vidarbha.
Authorities have advised residents in the affected states to remain cautious and strictly follow official advisories as the weather system progresses over the next 48 hours.