Bhubaneswar, Oct. 29 -- Cyclone Arnab is moving north towards Chhattisgarh after weakening, but heavy rain continues to affect southern Odisha. Rising river levels, waterlogged roads and submerged homes and farmland have disrupted normal life.

Several areas have been cut off leaving people stranded and raising concerns over access to emergency services and possible crop losses.

The system is moving towards Chhattisgarh at 15 kmph and is likely to weaken into a depression in the next few hours before becoming a well-marked low-pressure area by this evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Bargarh, while eight other districts are under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall. ...