Precautionary Measures Intensified

Authorities across eastern coastal states have ramped up precautionary measures, ordering the closure of educational institutions and restricting coastal activities as severe Cyclone Arnab approaches landfall. The primary objective shared by disaster management authorities is to achieve zero loss of life and minimal infrastructure damage.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings across multiple districts, prompting state administrations to suspend classes from kindergarten through Class 12 in vulnerable areas.

Jharkhand Orders Closures in Nine Districts

The Jharkhand government has ordered the suspension of academic activities in several districts following persistent rainfall since Wednesday morning. The IMD issued heavy rainfall alerts for Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Bokaro, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and East and West Singhbhum districts.

Authorities in Ranchi and Lohardaga have suspended physical classes for all students up to Class 12 to ensure student safety amidst deteriorating weather conditions. Weather models indicate that the cyclone's impact will likely cause temperatures to drop by three to four degrees Celsius across the state.

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Ramp Up Defense

In Odisha, the state government mandated the closure of schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres across six southern districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur. Similar closures have been implemented in affected regions of Andhra Pradesh.

Coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh have restricted public access to beaches, and vehicular movement along specific coastal corridors has been curtailed. Disaster response and rescue teams remain on high standby, while sea fishing activities have been strictly prohibited until conditions normalize.

The National Crisis Management Committee previously reviewed national cyclone preparedness, urging regional administrations in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to remain vigilant as the weather system progresses inland.