Bhubaneswar: Several districts in southern Odisha face the risk of flash floods as Cyclone 'Arnab' approaches the region, Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre Director Dr Manorama Mohanty said today.

Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam and Gajapati are among the districts facing the threat of flash floods. Heavy rainfall associated with the cyclone may trigger sudden flooding in vulnerable areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) morning bulletin, squally winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are prevailing over the region. Wind speeds are expected to intensify from the forenoon of October 28, reaching 60-70 kmph with gusts up to 80 kmph over the southern districts of Odisha.

The gale-force winds are likely to continue until the night of October 28. Thereafter, wind speeds are expected to remain in the range of 50-60 kmph, with gusts reaching 70 kmph, until the morning of October 29, before gradually weakening.

The districts likely to experience strong winds include Ganjam, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

The IMD's warning indicates that southern Odisha could face a combination of strong winds and flash flood risks during the period of heightened cyclone activity.