Cyclone Arnab: IMD issues red alert in Andhra Pradesh as storm nears coast, landfall expected tomorrow
New Delhi: A very severe cyclonic storm Arnab moved closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and high waves to several coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert with the storm expected to make landfall on Wednesday.
According to the IMD, the cyclone was moving west-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal at around 18 kmph. At 2:30 pm on Tuesday, it was located about 140 km south-east of Kakinada and 170 km south of Visakhapatnam.
The storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to the south of Yanam, by Wednesday morning. The IMD has forecast maximum sustained winds of 125-135 kmph with gusts reaching 150 kmph.
Heavy rain and high waves hit coastal districts
Several parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh have already reported the impact of the cyclone. Trees and electric poles were uprooted in Visakhapatnam while a falling tree damaged cars in MVP Sector 3. Waterlogging was also reported in the Old Gajuwaka area.
High waves battered coastal stretches in Kakinada and Konaseema districts, with seawater crossing sand barriers and flowing onto roads. Fishermen were moved from vulnerable coastal villages to safer locations while heavy rain and gusty winds affected several areas.
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall was likely in East Godavari, West Godavari, Kakinada, Konaseema and Anakapalli districts until Wednesday morning. He urged residents to remain alert over the next 12 hours and advised people living in huts and sheds to move to nearby rehabilitation centres.
Chandrababu Naidu reviews preparedness
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through a teleconference with collectors of coastal districts. He directed officials to take all necessary steps to minimise damage and prevent loss of life.
Naidu instructed authorities to ensure that rehabilitation camps have adequate food, drinking water and other essential supplies. Officials were also asked to move residents from low-lying areas to safer locations and restore electricity promptly in the event of disruptions.
The Chief Minister directed collectors to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams as required and monitor ground conditions in real time through district control rooms.