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Cyclone preparedness and monitoring in eastern India

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2026-10-24 05:03 UTC → 2026-10-27 05:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has continued to issue weather warnings for eastern India. In Bihar, a yellow alert was issued for 18 districts, including Gopalganj, Siwan, Bhojpur, Buxar, and Muzaffarpur, forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and winds of 40 to 50 kmph. While northern and eastern districts like Purnea and Katihar expected rainfall, Patna was predicted to remain mostly dry. These conditions coincided with the near-completion of the southwest monsoon’s withdrawal. In Odisha, the IMD issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through October 19. As of mid-October, the state was monitoring a potential weather system in the Bay of Bengal. By October 24, the situation escalated as the weather system was expected to develop into a depression on October 24 and intensify into a deep depression on October 25. The IMD indicated the system could potentially form a cyclone by the morning of October 26, which may be named ‘Arnab’. In response, the Odisha government has cancelled all official leaves and placed authorities on high alert following a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan. District administrations in potentially affected areas have been directed to maintain 24-hour monitoring. Preparations are underway to ensure the availability of food, safe drinking water, and essential medicines at shelters. Additionally, authorities have issued strict instructions for all fishermen to return to the coast. Following the potential cyclone development, the Odisha government issued an official advisory through the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) warning against the circulation of “false, deceptive, or speculative cyclone forecasts” on social media and digital platforms. Authorities noted that unscientific predictions regarding storm paths and landfall locations can cause public panic, artificial shortages, and agricultural losses.

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