Bihar: Bihar has issued weather alerts across 26 districts as Cyclone Arnab is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, strong winds and lightning to the state till October 31, according to a report citing the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The affected districts include Patna, Gaya, Jehanabad, Begusarai, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Samastipur, Supaul, Aurangabad, East Champaran and West Champaran. Yellow and Orange alerts have been issued for the affected areas.
Winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, accompanied by heavy rainfall and intense lightning, are forecast during the period.
Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, has been moving north-westwards inland. Its impact has prompted heightened vigilance across several regions.
In Andhra Pradesh, the cyclone reportedly caused six fatalities, uprooted trees and damaged residential and commercial structures.
In Bihar, the effects have already been observed in districts such as Vaishali, where overcast skies, intermittent rainfall and a drop in temperatures were reported on Thursday.
The unseasonal rainfall has also raised concerns over standing paddy crops awaiting harvest, posing a risk to farmers.
The state’s Disaster Management Department has been placed on alert, while the meteorological department continues to monitor the system.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms and strong winds. People have also been urged to move to safe locations during adverse weather conditions.
During lightning, residents should avoid open fields and refrain from taking shelter under trees or near poles.
[DD news]