RAIPUR: A striking blood-red sky over Kirandul in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district has caught attention in a viral video, as rain, gusty winds and persistent cloud cover swept across parts of the state amid the continuing impact of Cyclone Arnab.The unusual sky appeared as the weather system moved inland after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast.Meanwhile, intermittent rain and cool winds kept Raipur and several other parts of Chhattisgarh under a grey sky on Wednesday, prompting authorities in vulnerable districts to announce school closures for Thursday, October 29, amid forecasts of heavy rainfall and strong winds.The video shows the sky over Kirandul taking on a deep red hue. While the phenomenon has been linked online to atmospheric disturbances associated with the cyclone, its precise cause has not been independently established.
Schools shut as Chhattisgarh districts remain on alert
School education minister Gajendra Yadav has recommended a two-day holiday in districts considered vulnerable to the cyclone’s impact, citing student safety amid forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds. The state government had placed 12 districts on alert on Tuesday.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued rainfall across parts of Chhattisgarh as the cyclonic system moves inland after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.The storm made landfall with sustained wind speeds of 125-135kmph and gusts reaching 150kmph before weakening.Its impact is expected to persist over parts of central and northern Chhattisgarh on Thursday.
Heavy rain threat shifts to north, central Chhattisgarh
While southern districts bore the brunt of the weather system, the risk of heavy rainfall is expected to extend to parts of northern and central Chhattisgarh on October 29.The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kondagaon and Sukma were among the districts placed under heightened weather alerts. Wind speeds in vulnerable areas could reach 60-80kmph, with stronger gusts possible at isolated locations.Gariaband, Raigarh and other districts also reported rainfall, while temperatures remained subdued in several areas.
Administration steps up precautions amid cyclone threat
The Raipur district administration has directed departments, including police, health, revenue, local bodies and electricity, to remain prepared for weather-related emergencies.Disaster-response teams and fire services have been placed on alert. Officials have also been instructed to monitor low-lying areas, drains, vulnerable structures and power lines.A control room has been activated to coordinate assistance and track weather alerts. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads and streams, and take shelter indoors during lightning and strong winds.The district administration has issued helpline number 0771-2413233 for assistance.
Rain, thundershowers likely to continue on Thursday
The IMD has forecast continued unsettled weather on October 29, with rain and thundershowers likely in several parts of Chhattisgarh. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible at isolated places in northern and central districts, while thunderstorms and gusty winds remain a concern.Raipur is likely to remain cloudy, with spells of rain or thundershowers. With school holidays announced in vulnerable areas and administrations across the state stepping up precautions, officials have urged residents to follow local advisories and rely on official weather updates.