Cyclone Arnab floods Odisha: 42,500 marooned as NH326 washed away and trains cancelled
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims·
Disaster management and infrastructure vulnerability: a GS3 case study on climate-induced hazards.
Why in news
Cyclone Arnab caused severe flooding in Odisha, marooning 42,500 people and damaging critical infrastructure like NH326 and railway services.
Background
Cyclone Arnab hit Odisha's Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts on October 29, 2026. The India Meteorological Department recorded 546 mm of rainfall at Patrapur, leading to the washing away of National Highway 326 and damage to paddy crops.
Facts for Prelims
- FactIndia Meteorological Department recorded 546 mm of rainfall at Patrapur during Cyclone Arnab.
- PlaceGanjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal are districts in Odisha affected by the cyclone.
- BodyThe Coast Guard conducted airlift operations in Jagmohan to rescue marooned people.
- Fact42,500 people were marooned in Ganjam district due to flooding.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the impact of Cyclone Arnab in Odisha, consider the following statements:
- The cyclone affected the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal.
- The India Meteorological Department recorded 546 mm of rainfall at Patrapur.
- A total of 50,000 people were marooned in the Ganjam district.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The note states 42,500 people were marooned.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in disaster-resilient infrastructure development in coastal Odisha in the face of increasing cyclonic intensity.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Infrastructure vulnerability: Washout of NH326 highlights lack of climate-resilient engineering in coastal highway corridors
- Agricultural risk: Heavy rainfall and flooding causing significant damage to paddy crops in inland districts
- Logistics disruption: Impact of extreme weather on East Coast Railway operations and regional connectivity
Keywords: Climate Resilience · Disaster Management · Infrastructure Vulnerability · Coastal Hazards · Early Warning Systems
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.