What Cyclone Arnab revealed about India’s weather preparedness | The Hindu Editorial

Cyclone Arnab, the first named storm of the North Indian Ocean cyclone season, intensified rapidly before making landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm along the Andhra Pradesh coast. While proactive evacuation and disaster management measures helped limit the loss of life, the storm exposed challenges in forecasting rapid intensification, managing disruptions and protecting vulnerable communities. With Odisha still facing heavy rain, flood risks and agricultural concerns, the impact of Cyclone Arnab continues beyond landfall. This editorial looks at what made Cyclone Arnab significant, the challenges it posed, and the lessons for disaster preparedness in India. Published - October 29, 2026 02:26 pm IST