School Holiday Update On October 26: A weather system over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects it to become a cyclonic storm named Arnab by October 26. It is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28.
Odisha has stepped up preparedness, closing schools in five districts, while Tamil Nadu and Puducherry face heavy rain and waterlogging. Fishermen have been told not to venture into the sea, and those already out have been asked to return.
Cyclone Arnab Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
| Storm Name | Arnab (name given by Bangladesh, meaning “ocean”) |
| System Origin | Low-pressure area that became a depression on October 24 |
| Expected Cyclonic Storm Stage | Morning of October 26 |
| Landfall Zone | Between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Landfall Time | Forenoon of October 28 |
| Wind Speed at Landfall | 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph |
| Odisha Red Warning Districts | Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam |
| Odisha School Closure | October 28 and 29 in the five districts |
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on Alert:
Andhra Pradesh is anticipated to experience the direct consequences of the storm system. The meteorological system is projected to advance in a west-northwesterly direction, intensifying into a deep depression before evolving into a cyclonic storm across the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Throughout Tamil Nadu, cyclone alert signals have been raised at nine maritime ports, encompassing Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Karaikal, Pamban and Thoothukudi, compelling port authorities and maritime operators to maintain heightened vigilance.
Odisha Implements School Closures and Activates Rescue Operations:
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has mandated that officials prioritize the prevention of casualties. Educational institutions, higher learning facilities and Anganwadi centres shall remain shuttered in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri on October 28 and 29, whereas district administrators in other regions will determine closure status according to prevailing circumstances.
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The state has mobilized approximately 60 ODRAF units, 17 NDRF units and 225 Fire Services units. Ganjam has prepared 100 cyclone shelters and designated 1,000 alternative locations, with particular attention directed toward elderly populations, patients and expectant mothers.
IMD Red Warning and Precipitation Projections:
The India Meteorological Department has projected substantial to exceptionally heavy precipitation throughout Odisha spanning October 27 to 29. A red-level alert remains active for five districts on October 28, featuring localized extraordinarily intense rainfall surpassing 20 centimeters, accompanied by electrical storms, lightning phenomena and wind velocities of 60-70 kilometers per hour. Agricultural producers have been advised to safeguard their agricultural output, and medical establishments have been instructed to replenish pharmaceutical supplies, medical equipment and anti-venom serums.
Puducherry Battles Rain and Waterlogging
Puducherry has seen continuous rain since Saturday night as the northeast monsoon remains active. Waterlogging has been reported along Coast Road and in Krishna Nagar and Laspet Sarum, and residents have urged the government to drain the water quickly. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to continue in Puducherry, Karaikal and nearby Tamil Nadu districts.