Cyclone Arnab made landfall in eastern India on March 27, 2024, bringing torrential rainfall and strong winds. The storm hit the states of Odisha and West Bengal, triggering flash floods and landslides. Over 100,000 people were displaced as a result of the disaster.
Heavy rainfall, exceeding 300 millimeters in some areas, overwhelmed drainage systems and rivers. The Brahmaputra and Kosi rivers overflowed, submerging entire villages. Emergency services reported over 500 people missing in the hardest-hit regions. Rescue operations were ongoing as of April 1, 2024.
Cyclone Arnab was the strongest storm to hit the Bay of Bengal in over a decade. It formed on March 20, 2024, and intensified rapidly due to warm sea surface temperatures. The Indian Meteorological Department issued warnings days in advance, but the scale of the damage exceeded expectations. This follows a series of extreme weather events in the region, raising concerns about climate change impacts.
