Bihar issues Yellow and Orange weather alerts in 26 districts as Cyclone Arnab brings forecasts of heavy rain, lightning and winds up to 50 kmph.
Patna: Weather alerts have been issued across 26 districts of Bihar as Cyclone Arnab is expected to trigger moderate to heavy rainfall, strong winds and lightning across parts of the State until October 31, according to a report citing the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Yellow and Orange alerts have been issued for affected areas, with winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph, accompanied by heavy rain and intense lightning, forecast during the period.
The districts under alert include Patna, Gaya, Jehanabad, Begusarai, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Samastipur, Supaul, Aurangabad, East Champaran and West Champaran, among others.
Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, has been moving north-westwards inland, prompting increased weather vigilance in several regions.
In Andhra Pradesh, the cyclone reportedly claimed six lives and caused damage to residential and commercial buildings, besides uprooting trees.
In Bihar, the impact of the changing weather has already been felt in districts such as Vaishali, where overcast skies, intermittent rainfall and a decline in temperatures were reported on Thursday.
The forecast of unseasonal rainfall has raised concerns among farmers, particularly those with standing paddy crops approaching harvest. Continued rain and strong winds could disrupt harvesting operations and potentially damage crops, adding to the challenges faced by agricultural communities.
The Bihar Disaster Management Department has been placed on alert, while meteorological authorities continue to monitor the system and assess the evolving weather conditions.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms and periods of strong winds. People should move to safer locations when weather conditions deteriorate and follow official advisories issued by local authorities.
During lightning, residents should stay away from open fields, avoid taking shelter under trees and keep their distance from electric poles and other exposed structures. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant until the adverse weather conditions subside.
