Cyclone Arnab’s continuing impact has placed parts of Chhattisgarh on heightened alert, with schools closed in vulnerable districts, forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds, and administrations monitoring low-lying areas, drains, power lines and other vulnerable infrastructure.
A viral video showing a deep red sky over Kirandul in Dantewada district drew attention as rain, gusty winds and persistent cloud cover affected southern Chhattisgarh. The unusual colour has been linked online to atmospheric disturbances associated with the cyclone, but its precise cause has not been independently established.
The weather system moved inland after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Before weakening, it recorded sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph, according to the report. Its effects were expected to continue over parts of central and northern Chhattisgarh on Thursday, October 29.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in northern and central parts of the state, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Wind speeds in vulnerable areas could reach 60-80 kmph, with stronger gusts possible at isolated locations.
Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kondagaon and Sukma were among the districts placed under heightened weather alerts. Gariaband, Raigarh and other areas also reported rainfall, while temperatures remained subdued in several parts of the state. The risk of intense rainfall was expected to shift towards northern and central districts even as southern districts continued to experience the system’s effects.
School education minister Gajendra Yadav recommended a two-day holiday in districts considered vulnerable to the cyclone’s impact, citing student safety. Authorities had placed 12 districts on alert on Tuesday, while schools in vulnerable areas were announced closed for Thursday amid forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds.
The Raipur district administration directed police, health, revenue, local-body and electricity departments to remain prepared for weather-related emergencies. Disaster-response teams and fire services were placed on alert, and officials were instructed to monitor low-lying areas, drains, vulnerable structures and power lines.
A control room was activated to coordinate assistance and track weather alerts. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, keep away from flooded roads and streams, and remain indoors during lightning and strong winds. The administration issued helpline number 0771-2413233 for assistance.
The IMD forecast rain and thundershowers in several parts of Chhattisgarh on October 29, with Raipur likely to remain cloudy and receive spells of rain or thundershowers. Officials urged residents to follow local advisories and rely on official weather updates as the system’s impact continued.
