Cyclone Arnab Hits Chhattisgarh: Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Expected
Cyclone Arnab is impacting Chhattisgarh with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Farmers are advised to take precautions.
Raipur, October 28 (Daily Kiran) : The severe cyclonic storm Arnab, which has formed over the Bay of Bengal, is now affecting Chhattisgarh. The meteorological department has issued warnings for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across various districts on October 28 and 29. In response, the Agricultural Meteorology Department at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur has released a special advisory for farmers.
As of the morning of October 28, Cyclone Arnab has crossed the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. Its impact is expected to bring varying rainfall across Chhattisgarh from October 28 to November 1. Forecasts indicate that on October 28, most areas in the state could receive between 15 to 64 mm of moderate rainfall. Some locations may experience heavy rainfall ranging from 64 to 115 mm, while isolated areas could see up to 204 mm of extremely heavy rain.
Strong winds are also anticipated, with speeds reaching 50 to 60 kilometers per hour. In some regions, wind gusts could hit 70 kilometers per hour. A special alert has been issued for districts including Balodabazar-Bhatapara, Mahasamund, Raipur, Durg, Balod, Dhamtari, Kanker, Narayanpur, Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, and Sukma.
On October 29, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Bastar, Balrampur-Ramanujganj, Surajpur, Korea, and Korba, while several other districts may see light to moderate rain.
From October 30 to November 1, light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms, is likely in various districts of northern and central Chhattisgarh.
The Agricultural Meteorology Department has advised farmers to harvest and store mature Kharif crops such as rice, maize, and oilseeds promptly. Those who have already begun harvesting should secure their produce as soon as possible. Additionally, farmers are urged to implement proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging in fields.
Experts recommend postponing the sowing of Rabi crops like wheat, chickpeas, and lentils due to the expected continuous rainfall. It is suggested that sowing should resume in the first week of November once the weather clears.
The department also emphasized the importance of drying harvested grains thoroughly before storing them in clean, ventilated, and secure locations. Farmers should check the germination capacity and pest control measures before storing seeds.
Moreover, farmers are advised against applying pesticides and herbicides during the rainfall. Agricultural experts recommend that vegetables and horticultural crops ready for harvest should be quickly gathered and sent to market.
To protect climbing crops such as bitter gourd and bottle gourd from strong winds, support structures should be reinforced, and banana plants should be propped up with bamboo. Regular monitoring for diseases and pests after the rain is also crucial.
Livestock owners are urged to keep animals in safe, dry places, ensure access to clean drinking water and sufficient fodder, and avoid tying them under trees during thunderstorms. If any animals show signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or respiratory issues, they should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
The Agricultural Meteorology Department has called on farmers to stay updated with the latest weather information and plan their agricultural activities accordingly to mitigate the impact of the cyclone.
