Cyclone Arnab: IMD issues alerts for 26 Bihar districts through Oct 31
Synopsis
Cyclone Arnab, which killed six people after making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, is now tracking north-westward into Bihar, putting 26 districts under IMD Yellow and Orange alerts through 31 October. Wind gusts of up to 50 kmph and heavy lightning are threatening standing paddy crops and daily life across the state — with the Disaster Management Department already on high alert.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has placed 26 Bihar districts under Yellow and Orange alerts through 31 October 2026 .
Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, where six fatalities and widespread structural damage have been reported.
Wind gusts of up to 50 kmph and heavy lightning are forecast across affected zones.
Districts including Patna , Darbhanga , Gaya , and Vaishali are among those experiencing severe weather impacts.
Standing paddy crops awaiting harvest face severe damage from unseasonal rain and overcast conditions.
The Disaster Management Department has been placed on high alert; residents advised to avoid open areas during lightning.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-priority weather warning for Bihar as Cyclone Arnab pushes heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning across the state, with severe impacts expected to persist through 31 October 2026. The cyclone, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast before tracking north-westward, is now exposing a vast swathe of the Indian subcontinent to dangerous conditions.
Districts Under Alert
The IMD has placed 26 districts under 'Yellow' and 'Orange' alerts, covering Patna, Jehanabad, Begusarai, Gaya, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Samastipur, Supaul, Aurangabad, and both East and West Champaran, among others. Moderate to heavy rainfall paired with wind gusts of up to 50 kmph is anticipated across the affected zones throughout the alert period.
Ground Impact: Andhra Pradesh and Bihar
Cyclone Arnab has already left a trail of destruction since its initial landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, where six fatalities have been recorded alongside uprooted trees and extensive structural damage to homes and businesses. In Bihar, the cyclone's advance effects are already visible — in Vaishali district, heavy overcast skies triggered a mid-day darkness on Thursday, followed by intermittent rainfall and a sharp drop in temperatures. The persistent cloud cover and unseasonal rain are causing severe damage to standing paddy crops currently awaiting harvest, placing local farmers under immediate economic stress.
Official Advisories and Safety Precautions
The Meteorological Department is closely tracking Cyclone Arnab's trajectory and speed, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution. Officials have advised residents to move to safe locations during adverse weather windows. Key safety directives include: avoid seeking shelter under electric poles or trees during lightning, and stay away from open fields. The Disaster Management Department has been placed on high alert in anticipation of further escalation. Authorities warn that daytime temperatures are expected to decline further while disruptions to daily life continue.
What to Watch Next
The IMD will continue monitoring the system as it progresses inland. With the cyclone's severe impact window extending to 31 October, district administrations across Bihar have been asked to remain on standby. The agricultural damage assessment — particularly for paddy — is expected to become clearer once the weather system weakens and field surveys can be conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bihar districts are under alert due to Cyclone Arnab?
The IMD has issued Yellow and Orange alerts for 26 Bihar districts, including Patna, Jehanabad, Begusarai, Gaya, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Samastipur, Supaul, Aurangabad, and East and West Champaran. The alerts are in effect through 31 October 2026.
How many people have died due to Cyclone Arnab?
Six fatalities have been recorded in Andhra Pradesh following the cyclone's initial landfall along the state's coast. The deaths were accompanied by reports of uprooted trees and extensive structural damage to homes and businesses.
What wind speeds and rainfall are expected in Bihar?
The IMD forecasts wind gusts of up to 50 kmph alongside moderate to heavy rainfall and intense lightning across the 26 alerted districts. Daytime temperatures are also expected to fall further as the weather system persists.
How are farmers in Bihar affected by Cyclone Arnab?
Paddy crops currently standing in fields and awaiting harvest face severe damage from unseasonal rain and heavy overcast conditions. The economic risk is immediate, as farmers have no time to complete harvesting before the worst of the weather arrives.
What safety precautions have authorities issued for Bihar residents?
Officials have advised residents to move to safe locations during adverse weather, avoid sheltering under electric poles or trees during lightning, and stay out of open fields. The Disaster Management Department has been placed on high alert across the state.
