Clouds hover around the sky in several parts of the state of Jharkhand. Though the very severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ is projected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast today (Wednesday), it is projected to trigger three days of heavy rainfall across Jharkhand beginning Thursday morning.

The state government authorities have issued rain, flood and high-wind advisories following the notification issued by the India Meteorological Department.

The IMD has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for heavy rain across Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, and East and West Singhbhum for 24 hours starting 8:30 am on October 28. 

Rain intensity is expected to escalate thereafter, with an ‘orange’ alert sounded for seven districts: Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, and West Singhbhum till October 30 morning.

In a statement, Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri instructed officials to maintain continuous vigil over low-lying areas vulnerable to urban flooding, waterlogging, and agricultural runoff.

“Waterlogging is likely on city roads and low-lying sectors. Standing crops could sustain damage, while temporary shanties and structurally weak buildings face risk from gusty winds,” the Ranchi district administration said in an advisory, urging residents in flood-prone zones to take precautions.