Very Severe Cyclone Arnab Heads Toward Andhra Pradesh Coast for Landfall on Wednesday

Very Severe Cyclone Arnab Heads Toward Andhra Pradesh Coast for Landfall on Wednesday

Cyclonic storm Arnab moved west-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracked the system as it intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm. Heavy rain and disruptions already affected parts of Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, authorities stepped up precautionary measures ahead of the expected landfall on Wednesday.

According to the IMD, the cyclone moved at around 20 kmph in the six hours before its 11.30 am bulletin. It was centred near latitude 16.2°N and longitude 83.7°E. The storm lay about 170 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 180 km east-southeast of Kakinada, and 270 km east of Machilipatnam. It was also located 350 km east of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh and 370 km south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.

The IMD said the cyclone was very likely to continue moving west-northwestwards until Tuesday evening. Thereafter, it is expected to turn northwestwards. As a result, it is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. The system is expected to make landfall with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph.

Andhra Pradesh remains on high alert. Officials planned evacuations and other measures to protect life and property. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to shift people from low-lying areas to safer locations. He also ordered essential supplies to be stocked at relief camps. In addition, more than 1,300 pregnant women were moved to hospitals. Rising sea waves reached coastal areas in Kakinada district’s Pithapuram region, affecting places such as Uppada, Konapapet, and Moolapet.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reported that the cyclone’s effects had already begun. Heavy rainfall is likely soon in north coastal Andhra districts. Srikakulam district is expected to see heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. Meanwhile, strong winds had already started in coastal districts including Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. The state government released ₹27 crore to 20 districts for relief and response operations.

Odisha also intensified preparations. Heavy rains and strong winds lashed parts of the state. The Special Relief Commissioner said the government planned to move at least 48,000 people from low-lying and landslide-prone areas by evening. The highest numbers, around 11,000 each, were targeted in Gajapati and Nabarangpur districts. The IMD issued an orange warning for six districts and a yellow warning for 16 others.

Railways took precautionary steps. South Central Railway and South Coast Railway cancelled several train services on October 27 and 28. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed preparations. He said war rooms were active and passenger safety remained the top priority. Additionally, Air India issued an advisory warning that weather linked to the cyclone could affect flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

Overall, the IMD continues to monitor the very severe cyclonic storm closely. Residents in coastal areas have been advised to follow local instructions and avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rain and strong winds.