By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 25, 2026: Heavy rainfall continues in parts of eastern and southern India following the movement of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. The weather system that has been widely referred to as Cyclone Arnab brought heavy rain, strong winds and water logging to parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified the system as a deep depression rather than a cyclonic storm. The system crossed the north Andhra Pradesh coast near Kalingapatnam and has since moved inland while weakening. The weather system is still contributing to rainfall across several states.

The deep depression over Odisha and adjoining Chhattisgarh weakened into a depression on Friday. It, however, brought widespread rain across the state, disrupting road and rail movement, flooding low-lying areas and forcing evacuations in several districts.

According to official reports, 63 places recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall and 161 locations received over 50 mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Tentulikhunti in Nabarangpur district recorded the highest rainfall of 395 mm, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Heavy rain pushed several rivers above the danger or warning levels. Baitarani was flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada in north Odisha, prompting Bhadrak administration to sound a flood alert in Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari blocks. Jalaka was also flowing above the danger level at Mathani in Balasore district, inundating low-lying areas. Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha and Salandi rivers were rising too.

In Mayurbhanj district, a car with two occupants was swept away in floodwater. While one swam to safety, the other was rescued by locals.

In south Odisha, Rushikulya was flowing above the warning level at Purushottampur in Ganjam district, while Vamsadhara crossed the danger level at Kashinagar in Gajapati district.