Cyclone Arnab kills eight in Andhra Pradesh, over 20,000 evacuated as storm batters coast
New Delhi: Cyclone Arnab left eight people dead in Andhra Pradesh after it crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts early on Wednesday. Heavy rain and powerful winds uprooted trees and electric poles, damaged houses and crops, and disrupted electricity and communication.
Authorities evacuated more than 20,000 people from coastal districts before the storm arrived. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought the Centre’s support to address the damage.
Falling trees, poles and live wires claim lives
Two people died in Bhimavaram in West Godavari district. A falling tree killed Ch Kishore, 45, while an electric pole collapsed on Rambabu. Two women died in Sakenetipalle mandal in Konaseema district, including K Venkayamma, who was trapped under a collapsed thatched house.
Falling electric poles killed two women in Visakhapatnam’s Goshala and Balajinagar localities. One victim was identified as K Madhavi. A 55-year-old woman died after stepping on an exposed live wire in Yellamanchili. Another victim, A Pinni Devudu, 65, died of electrocution in Visakhapatnam’s Mangalapalem locality.
Storm crosses coast with gusts of 150 kmph
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Arnab crossed the coast southwest of Yanam between 2 am and 8 am. It made landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph.
The system later weakened into a severe cyclonic storm. The IMD expected it to move north-northwestwards and weaken further. The agency forecast isolated heavy rain in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Parvathipuram Manyam districts on Thursday, October 29.
Crops damaged, coastal road washed away
Konaseema suffered damage to paddy fields, roads and power infrastructure. Residents in parts of Konaseema and Kakinada reported electricity outages lasting more than a day. “The cyclone damaged the paddy fields in parts of Konaseema districts and spared the coconut plantations, which is a huge relief for us as coconut is a commercial crop,” said Ravi, a resident of Perurupeta.
Preliminary estimates put the damage in Kakinada at hundreds of uprooted trees and around 100 electric poles. The Uppada coastal road was completely washed away. Garividi recorded the highest rainfall at 26 cm, the IMD said. Visakhapatnam received 22 cm, with several low-lying areas flooded. Authorities expected to restore power in some areas by Wednesday evening.