Cyclone Arnab: Jharkhand on alert as heavy rain, strong winds trigger school closures

Weather conditions have changed across Jharkhand under the influence of the severe cyclonic storm Arnab which originated in the Bay of BengalSeveral parts of the state including the capital Ranchi have been affected by rainfall since Wednesday morning resulting in the India Meteorological Department IMD issuing a heavy rainfall warning for nine districtsThe IMD has warned of heavy rainfall in Ranchi Khunti Simdega Gumla Lohardaga Bokaro SeraikelaKharsawan and East and West Singhbhum districts The impact of the cyclone is also expected to bring down temperatures across Jharkhand by around three to four degrees CelsiusAs a result of the prevailing weather conditions and the possibility of further deterioration authorities have ordered the suspension of classes from kindergarten KG to Class 12 in Ranchi and Lohardaga districts on October 28 and 29 as a precautionary measureIn Ranchi intermittent showers have continued since Wednesday morning while the sky remains overcast Rainfall accompanied by strong winds has brought a noticeable change in the weather with temperatures dropping across the citySimilar conditions have been reported from several other parts of Jharkhand including Hazaribagh Koderma Chaibasa Deoghar Giridih and Bokaro where cloudy skies and rainfall have affected normal weather conditionsMeteorological Department scientist Abhishek Anand explained that Jharkhands geographical location means the Singhbhum region is likely to experience the cyclones effects firstThereafter rainfall and strong winds may spread to other parts of the state depending on the storms movement and intensityThe Meteorological Department has urged residents to remain vigilant particularly in areas where heavy rainfall is expectedCyclone Arnab reaches the Andhra Pradesh coastAccording to the departments forecast the cyclone was expected to cross the coast south of Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam During the landfall period sustained wind speeds were projected to reach 125ndash135 kmph while gusts could reach 150 kmphAmid the changing weather conditions Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri convened a meeting with officials from the departments concerned and issued directions to ensure preparedness and a prompt response to any weatherrelated emergenciesAs part of the precautionary arrangements the electricity departments control room and the Ranchi Municipal Corporations rapid response team have been placed on alertThe teams have been instructed to respond immediately to incidents such as power supply disruptions and waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall or strong windsThe railways have also put in place precautionary measures in anticipation of the cyclones impactAccording to information released by the Railways the operations of at least half a dozen trains either originating from Jharkhand or passing through the state have been cancelled in view of the prevailing conditionsThe administration has urges residents to take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and periods of strong windsCommuters have also been urged to exercise caution while travelling on roads affected by waterlogging and to remain alert to changing conditionsThe public has been asked to follow weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Department and comply with instructions from the local administration to minimise the risk of accidents and other emergenciesFarmers meanwhile have been advised to shift harvested crops and other agricultural produce to safe locations to protect them from rain and strong windsWith inputs from IANS