Cyclone Arnab: Odisha Schools Closed in 5 Districts

Schools and other educational institutions in parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are facing precautionary closures as authorities prepare for the expected landfall of Cyclone Arnab on October 28, 2026. Odisha has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres to remain closed for two days in five districts, while Andhra Pradesh is strengthening evacuation arrangements and disaster-response preparations ahead of forecasts of destructive winds and heavy rainfall.

The approaching cyclone has prompted authorities to mobilise emergency personnel, prepare shelters and review transport operations. Students, parents and school administrators have been advised to follow official district-level announcements, as further restrictions may be introduced depending on the storm’s movement and intensity.

Cyclone Arnab: Latest School Closure Updates

The Odisha government has announced holidays for educational institutions in five districts on October 28 and 29. The decision covers areas expected to face adverse weather conditions from the approaching cyclone.

In Andhra Pradesh, authorities are preparing for the system’s expected landfall along the coast. Students and parents should check notices issued by their schools and district administrations rather than assume that a statewide holiday has been declared.

Odisha Schools Closed in Five Districts

Educational institutions in the following Odisha districts have been ordered to remain closed on October 28 and 29:

• Ganjam
• Gajapati
• Rayagada
• Koraput
• Malkangiri

The closure order covers schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these districts. The measure is intended to reduce exposure to hazardous weather as the cyclone approaches the region.

District collectors elsewhere in Odisha have been authorised to decide whether educational institutions should close, depending on local weather conditions and the developing situation. This means that closure arrangements may differ between districts.

Parents should check communications from their children’s schools and the relevant district administration for confirmation of holidays, reopening dates and any additional safety instructions.

Andhra Pradesh School Closure Update

Andhra Pradesh is preparing for Cyclone Arnab’s expected landfall, with particular attention to vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. Authorities are arranging evacuations where necessary and preparing emergency assistance for residents who may be affected by flooding, strong winds or heavy rainfall.

The available information does not establish a blanket school holiday across the entire state. Students and parents should therefore rely on announcements from their respective district administrations and educational institutions to confirm whether classes will be suspended.

Further closures may be announced as the cyclone approaches and officials assess the potential impact on individual districts. School reopening dates should also be confirmed through official channels rather than assumed from the initial closure announcement.

Cyclone Arnab Landfall Forecast and Expected Wind Speeds

According to the forecast described in the supplied report, the India Meteorological Department expects Cyclone Arnab to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around the forenoon of October 28.

The forecast indicates sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph. Such conditions can create dangerous situations, including damage to vulnerable structures, falling branches, disrupted electricity supplies and difficulties for road and coastal transport.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also forecast in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Intense rainfall can cause waterlogging, flash flooding in susceptible locations, disruption to road travel and damage to homes or other infrastructure.

The precise effects will depend on the cyclone’s track, intensity and local conditions. Residents should continue monitoring official weather bulletins for updates to the expected landfall location, rainfall outlook and wind warnings.

Evacuations and Disaster-Response Teams on Alert

State authorities have stepped up preparations as Cyclone Arnab approaches. Odisha has mobilised disaster-response personnel, while Andhra Pradesh is intensifying arrangements to evacuate residents from vulnerable locations and ensure access to essential supplies.

Emergency preparations are particularly important in low-lying areas, where heavy rainfall can increase the risk of flooding. Coastal communities may also face dangerous winds and difficult travel conditions as the system moves inland.

Preparedness measures include arranging shelters, deploying rescue personnel and coordinating emergency assistance. Residents who receive evacuation instructions should follow directions from local authorities and move to designated safe locations when advised.

People should avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather, stay away from flooded roads and keep clear of fallen or damaged electrical wires. Households in affected areas should also keep essential medicines, drinking water, basic supplies and charged mobile phones accessible.

Train Cancellations and Possible Transport Disruptions

Several train services have reportedly been cancelled as a precaution ahead of the expected cyclone impact. Transport restrictions may be adjusted as railway authorities assess weather conditions and the safety of routes and infrastructure.

Passengers travelling through affected parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh should check the latest updates from Indian Railways before leaving for a station. They should confirm their train’s running status, cancellation details and any available alternative arrangements.

Severe winds and heavy rainfall can also affect road travel, particularly where flooding, fallen trees or damaged infrastructure obstruct routes. Travellers should avoid unnecessary journeys in areas under severe weather warnings and follow instructions from traffic and emergency officials.

What Students and Parents Should Do

With school closure decisions varying by location, students and parents should take a few practical steps to avoid confusion and remain safe during the cyclone alert.

• Check official notices: Follow announcements from district collectors, state education departments and individual schools.
• Confirm closure dates: Odisha’s announced closures cover October 28 and 29 in the five specified districts. Check for any later extensions or revised instructions.
• Verify Andhra Pradesh updates: Do not assume that all schools across the state are closed unless the relevant authorities confirm it.
• Monitor weather warnings: Follow official updates on landfall timing, wind speeds and rainfall forecasts.
• Avoid unsafe travel: Do not send children through flooded roads or areas affected by strong winds.
• Follow evacuation instructions: Families in vulnerable areas should comply with directions from local authorities.

School administrations should communicate closure arrangements clearly to parents and staff, including any changes to reopening dates. Institutions should also follow local safety directions before resuming classes.

Why Authorities Are Taking Precautionary Measures

Closing educational institutions ahead of a severe weather event helps reduce the number of children and staff who need to travel during hazardous conditions. It can also give authorities more flexibility to coordinate emergency operations and respond to local disruptions.

The decision is particularly relevant when a forecast includes destructive winds and intense rainfall. Even if a school building is not directly affected by the cyclone, the journey to and from the campus may become unsafe because of waterlogging, fallen trees or transport interruptions.

District-level decision-making allows authorities to account for differences in expected rainfall, local geography and infrastructure. However, families need timely and reliable communication to understand which rules apply to their location.

Cyclone Arnab: What Happens Next?

Authorities in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are continuing preparations ahead of the forecast landfall on October 28. The main priorities are to protect residents in vulnerable areas, maintain emergency response capacity, minimise travel risks and communicate clear instructions to schools and the public.

The expected wind speeds and rainfall make it important for residents to treat official warnings seriously. Cyclone forecasts can change as a weather system develops, so the projected track and local impact should be checked against the latest bulletins.

For students and parents, the immediate priority is to confirm school holidays through district-level announcements and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions. Odisha has announced closures in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri for October 28 and 29, while Andhra Pradesh residents should check their local authorities for confirmed decisions.

As Cyclone Arnab approaches, updated weather information and timely compliance with safety instructions will be essential to reducing risks to families and communities.