Cyclone Arnab alert: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha step up evacuation ahead of landfall
New Delhi: A very severe cyclonic storm, Arnab, has prompted heightened emergency preparations across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with authorities evacuating vulnerable residents and mobilising rescue teams ahead of its expected landfall along the coastal areas.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin cited in the report, the cyclone was located over the Bay of Bengal, around 170 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, at 11:30 am on Tuesday. It was forecast to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by Wednesday forenoon, bringing sustained winds of 125–135 kmph and gusts up to 150 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh increases preparedness measures
Andhra Pradesh has intensified evacuation and relief operations in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed district officials to relocate residents to safer places and ensure adequate supplies of food, drinking water and other essentials at relief camps.
Authorities have prepared 2,131 cyclone shelters across 20 districts. More than 30,000 fishing boats have been secured, while medical teams, ambulances and emergency beds have been arranged to support affected communities. Pregnant women have also been moved to hospitals as a precaution.
Railway authorities are monitoring approximately 600 km of tracks across the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam divisions. Coastal traffic near Uppada and Kakinada has faced disruption due to rough sea conditions.
Odisha plans large-scale evacuations
Odisha is preparing to relocate around 48,000 people from vulnerable areas. Districts including Gajapati, Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada are undertaking evacuation measures.
The state has readied permanent and temporary cyclone shelters and deployed 294 rescue teams, comprising National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and Fire Services personnel.
The IMD has issued orange and yellow rainfall warnings for several districts, with heavy to very heavy rain expected in affected areas. Schools in eight districts have been ordered closed for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rainfall warnings extend to West Bengal and Jharkhand
Parts of West Bengal have reported rainfall, with further showers forecast across coastal and western districts. Jharkhand has also been placed under a yellow alert for heavy rain in several districts from October 28.
Residents should follow official IMD and state disaster management advisories, avoid coastal waters and flooded roads, and move to designated shelters when instructed. Weather conditions and evacuation guidance may change as the cyclone approaches.