Cyclone Arnab triggers three-day rain and wind alerts across Jharkhand

Cyclone Arnab, classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, is forecast to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday and then affect Jharkhand with three days of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds. The India Meteorological Department placed a yellow alert on Oct 28 for Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan and the Singhbhum districts, and escalated to an orange alert for Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum through the morning of Oct 30.

The agency warned of widespread lightning and strong winds through Friday. Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri instructed officials to keep a constant watch on flood-prone zones, noting that city roads and low-lying sectors could experience water-logging, crops may be damaged, and temporary shelters and weak buildings are vulnerable to gusts. Residents in the warned districts have been urged to take precautionary measures.