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Cyclone Arnab: Andhra Pradesh prepares to evacuate 5.7 lakh people ahead of landfall

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 26 Oct 2026 55 min ago

New Delhi: Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall along the coast on Wednesday, 28 October, bringing wind gusts of up to 140 kmph and heavy rainfall. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha are preparing evacuations and taking precautionary measures to limit the impact of the approaching storm.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm developed over the Bay of Bengal and could intensify further before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning. The weather department has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the northern and central coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.

Andhra Pradesh identifies 5.7 lakh people for evacuation

The Andhra Pradesh government has identified around 5.7 lakh people living in vulnerable areas who may need to be moved to safer locations before the cyclone makes landfall.

A senior state disaster management official told Reuters on Monday that evacuation operations were expected to begin by the evening. Authorities are preparing to shift residents to safer places as the storm approaches the coast.

The government has also asked fishing boats operating at sea to return to shore. Officials have been directed to ensure the swift restoration of electricity in areas where power supply could be affected by strong winds and heavy rain.

Odisha closes schools and colleges in 5 districts

Odisha has announced the closure of schools and colleges in five districts on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure. The state government is also preparing cyclone shelters and arranging to move people from low-lying and other vulnerable areas.

Both states are on alert for possible disruption caused by the storm, which is developing over the Bay of Bengal, a region frequently affected by tropical cyclones.

West Bengal districts also face heavy rainfall

West Bengal is also likely to experience rainfall as Cyclone Arnab moves towards India’s eastern coast. According to a weather bulletin, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of south Bengal, including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram, and North and South 24 Parganas, between 27 and 30 October.

Heavy rainfall is likely in South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia from 28 to 30 October. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri may also receive heavy rain on 29 and 30 October.

Squally winds of 35–45 kmph, with gusts reaching 55 kmph, are expected along and off the West Bengal coast between 27 and 29 October. Residents in affected areas are advised to follow official weather updates and safety instructions.

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