Cyclone ‘Arnab’ to trigger 3 days of heavy rain and gusty winds across Jharkhand

The state of Jharkhand is bracing for three days of heavy rainfall and high-speed winds as the very severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ approaches the eastern coast.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is projected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, bringing widespread precipitation and potential disruptions across several districts.

State authorities have issued comprehensive flood and high-wind advisories, putting local administrative machinery on high alert to tackle potential emergencies.

The weather office has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain across Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, and East and West Singhbhum for a 24-hour period beginning at 8:30 AM on October 28.

Rain intensity is expected to escalate significantly thereafter, prompting an orange alert for seven districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, and West Singhbhum, which will remain in place until the morning of October 30.

Meteorologists have warned of continuous widespread thunderstorms, frequent lightning, and gusty winds extending through Friday.

Responding to the forecast, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri directed local authorities to maintain constant vigilance over vulnerable low-lying areas prone to urban flooding, severe waterlogging, and agricultural runoff.

Residents living in flood-prone zones have been strongly advised to take necessary precautions and remain alert as the system moves closer.