Cyclone Arnab

Why in News?

• Cyclone Arnab developed over the Bay of Bengal in October 2026.
• It intensified from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm on 26 October 2026.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that it could intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) before landfall.

Important Prelims Pointers

• Origin: Bay of Bengal.
• Name: Arnab — proposed by Bangladesh under the regional cyclone-naming system.
• Expected landfall: Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam.
• Forecast landfall date: 28 October 2026.
• Expected intensity at landfall: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm.
• Forecast wind speed: 115–125 km/h, with gusts up to 140 km/h.
• Monitoring agency: India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Disaster preparedness: The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, reviewed preparedness.

Cyclone Naming System

• Tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named under the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.
• The panel includes 13 members, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Oman, the Maldives, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
• Names are selected from lists contributed by member countries.
• IMD is the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre responsible for naming and monitoring cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.

Practice MCQ

Q. With reference to Cyclone Arnab, consider the following statements:

1. It developed over the Bay of Bengal.
2. Its name was contributed by Bangladesh.
3. The India Meteorological Department monitors cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation: Arnab developed over the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh contributed its name, and the IMD is responsible for monitoring tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.