Cyclone Arnab Downgrades to Deep Depression as Deaths Rise in Andhra Pradesh

Weather Update

Cyclone Arnab has slipped from a cyclonic storm to a deep depression and is projected to further weaken into a depression by Thursday morning, the India Meteorological Department said. The agency added that the system should become a well‑marked low‑pressure area by Thursday evening. The storm moved over the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, October 28, and is expected to keep bringing heavy rain until Thursday morning before losing strength.

Impact

Mohan Charan Majhi, chief minister of Odisha, reported that heavy rainfall from Arnab has hit 17 districts in the state's southern region. In Andhra Pradesh, five people lost their lives, prompting chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to unveil a relief and compensation package for affected families, farmers, fishermen and businesses. Naidu also called Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek central help for damage to crops, houses, roads and power lines in several coastal districts. Elsewhere, Kerala is likely to see a sharp drop in rain and a noticeable rise in daytime temperatures. Telangana is expected to face isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in 12 districts on Thursday.

Context

When a cyclone makes landfall, it often loses its core energy and downgrades to a depression or low‑pressure system. This weakening usually reduces wind speeds but can still bring intense rain and flooding in coastal areas.