Cyclone Arnab batters eastern India: at least six dead, heavy flooding in Odisha

At least six people have died after Cyclone Arnab struck eastern India, authorities reported, and power supplies remain cut in several areas. More than 180,000 people have left their homes as the storm ripped through coastal districts, damaging houses and infrastructure.

Officials said the deaths were caused by electrocution and by falling trees and collapsed dwellings. "Arnab is classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, the third-highest category on their scale," the statement said.

Widespread flooding and evacuations

Severe flooding has submerged parts of Ganjam, Odisha, with streets turned into rivers and some homes under water up to the second floor. "Severe flooding has submerged parts of Ganjam, Odisha, India, following Cyclone Arnab. Streets have turned into rivers, homes are submerged up to the second floor, and affected areas have been cut off." (social media posts on October 29, 2026)

More than 43,000 people were reported evacuated to relief camps as waters continued to rise. Rescue teams have been mobilized and red alerts issued across the hardest-hit districts.

Tourist sites and transport links have also been impacted: the Gandahati waterfall rose to dangerous levels, some tourist spots were closed, the Gundriguda bridge collapsed and National Highway NH-326 was inundated. Schools were ordered closed and parts of rail and air services were cancelled.

Local authorities are prioritizing restoring electricity and reaching isolated communities. Humanitarian teams are expanding relief shelters while monitoring the storm’s movement and the risk of further flooding and structural damage.

Photo: press material from the event