📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / VIIRS imagery from NOAA's NOAA-21 satellite
Weather
Cyclone Arnab Weakens to Depression, Rain Pummels West Bengal; Amit Shah Assures Support
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 02:45 PM
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Cyclone Arnab has weakened into a depression, bringing heavy showers to West Bengal, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the chief ministers of the affected states, pledging full assistance.
The India Meteorological Department said Cyclone Arnab has lost its cyclonic intensity and is now classified as a depression. The system is expected to linger over the Bay of Bengal, delivering intermittent rain to parts of eastern India until October 30.
In West Bengal, the downdraft from the weakening system has already produced widespread showers, with several districts reporting waterlogging and disrupted traffic. Local authorities have issued advisories for residents to avoid non-essential travel and to secure vulnerable structures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held telephonic conversations with the chief ministers of the states most affected by the weather disturbance. He assured them that the central government stands ready to provide all necessary resources, including relief supplies and deployment of disaster response teams.
State officials said they are coordinating with central agencies to mobilise relief kits, medical assistance and temporary shelters for any communities that may be displaced as the rains continue.
In West Bengal, the downdraft from the weakening system has already produced widespread showers, with several districts reporting waterlogging and disrupted traffic. Local authorities have issued advisories for residents to avoid non-essential travel and to secure vulnerable structures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held telephonic conversations with the chief ministers of the states most affected by the weather disturbance. He assured them that the central government stands ready to provide all necessary resources, including relief supplies and deployment of disaster response teams.
State officials said they are coordinating with central agencies to mobilise relief kits, medical assistance and temporary shelters for any communities that may be displaced as the rains continue.