The death toll from Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent flooding in Odisha has risen to six, while 10 people remain missing, officials said on Sunday. The state government has announced a special relief package for families affected by the disaster as it steps up preparations for another cyclone, Murasu, which is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3. Read on to know more.
Odisha May Get Hit By Cyclone Murasu
According to NDTV, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh P. Patil said Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, and the floods that followed have affected around 1.18 lakh people in Odisha. The disaster has also damaged 1,672 houses and affected 75,388 hectares of agricultural land. The state is now focusing on two priorities: rescue and relief operations for those affected by Cyclone Arnab and preparations to deal with the approaching storm. Two bodies were recovered on Sunday from a landslide-hit village in southern Odisha, taking the death toll from Cyclone Arnab to six. Search operations are underway to locate 10 people who remain missing.
Gidipabali, a hilltop village on the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, was buried under a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall. The village, which was home to around 26 people, was covered by sludge and debris that swept down the hills and destroyed houses. At least 13 residents who managed to escape have been shifted to a relief centre near G Udaygiri, Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan said.
Patil said landslides had emerged as a major challenge, with at least 10 such incidents reported during Cyclone Arnab. Ganjam and Kandhamal have been among the worst-affected districts, with relief and restoration work underway. The state has also deployed more than 6,400 personnel to speed up the restoration of electricity supply in the affected areas of southern Odisha.
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Odisha Steps Up Preparations For Cyclone Murasu
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Murasu is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh on the intervening night of November 2 and 3. The system is likely to bring winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. The cyclone has been named Murasu by India, meaning ‘war drum’. Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said Odisha is likely to receive rainfall from November 2, with its intensity expected to increase on November 3 and continue through November 4.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state government had strengthened its preparedness while retaining the arrangements made during Cyclone Arnab. A high alert has been issued across southern Odisha, including Ganjam. Authorities have also ordered the evacuation of people living in low-lying areas and hilly terrain ahead of the storm. Schools and colleges in some southern districts have been directed to remain closed until November 3. Disaster response teams have been kept on standby, while fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and announced a special relief package. Each flood-affected family in the southern region will receive 50 kg of rice and ₹2,500. Additional financial assistance will be provided for crop damage, damaged houses and loss of livelihood.
Majhi said the package would be reviewed after an assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu. He also announced that an eight-member inter-ministerial central team would visit Odisha from November 2 to 4 to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/Manas Muduli
FAQs
Why is Orissa famous for?
Odisha (formerly spelled Orissa) is famous for its ancient temples, grand spiritual festivals, classical dance, and rich natural and tribal heritage.
What is cyclone murasu?
Cyclone Murasu is a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the Bay of Bengal that is threatening and making landfall along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh.
What is cyclone Arnab?
Cyclone Arnab refers to the very severe tropical cyclone that formed over the Bay of Bengal and struck the eastern coast of India (specifically Andhra Pradesh and Yanam) in late October 2026.
