Cyclone Arnab Update: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha on High Alert

Winds of up to 140 kmph expected near the Andhra coast; heavy to extremely heavy rainfall forecast, with evacuations and emergency teams on standby.

🔴 By | Arvind Jadhav

Vishakhapatnam : Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, putting Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha on high alert. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the system is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph.

Authorities in both states have stepped up emergency preparations, including evacuation arrangements, deployment of disaster-response teams and restrictions on fishing. Heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas are expected to pose risks to coastal communities and vulnerable inland areas.

🟡 Andhra Pradesh Prepares for Cyclone Landfall

Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the direct impact of Cyclone Arnab. Coastal districts, including Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur, are among the areas being closely monitored as the storm approaches.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated places across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. Rainfall may continue in some areas on October 29, increasing the risk of waterlogging, localised flooding, road disruptions and damage to vulnerable structures.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the state’s preparedness and directed officials to take precautionary measures to minimise loss of life and property. Authorities are preparing to move residents from low-lying and vulnerable coastal areas to safer locations. Reports also indicate that pregnant women from vulnerable areas have been shifted to healthcare facilities as a precaution.

Educational institutions in several affected districts have been ordered to remain closed as part of the safety measures. Residents have been advised to follow district administration instructions, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from exposed coastal areas.

🟡 Odisha on Alert as Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Approach

Although Cyclone Arnab is forecast to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, southern Odisha is also expected to experience significant weather impacts. The districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur have been identified as vulnerable areas requiring heightened preparedness.

According to the weather forecast, gusty winds in parts of southern Odisha could reach 60–70 kmph, with gusts up to 80 kmph. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of the state on October 28, while heavy rain may continue in some areas on October 29. Rough to very rough sea conditions are also expected along the southern Odisha coast.

The Odisha government has stepped up disaster-management arrangements, with emergency response teams on standby. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned ministers to monitor preparedness and coordinate with the administration. Fishing activities have been restricted, while tourist access to vulnerable hills, waterfalls and dams has been curtailed as a precaution.

Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in several vulnerable southern districts are scheduled to remain closed on October 28 and 29. Authorities have also taken steps to ensure that government departments and emergency services are ready to respond to possible flooding, fallen trees, damaged power lines and disruptions to transport.

🟡 Railways, Ports and Emergency Services on Standby

The cyclone warning has triggered precautionary measures across the eastern coastal region. Some train services have reportedly been cancelled or altered, while port authorities have been instructed to follow the prescribed warning procedures. Passengers should check the latest train status before travelling.

The Centre and the state governments are coordinating preparedness through disaster-management agencies. National and State Disaster Response Force teams have been kept ready, and district control rooms are monitoring the developing situation. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Yanam coasts during the warning period.

🟡 What Residents Need to Know

Residents in coastal and low-lying areas should follow official evacuation instructions without delay. People should avoid beaches, fishing harbours, flooded roads, riverbanks and areas near trees or unstable structures during strong winds. Essential medicines, drinking water, charged mobile phones and important documents should be kept ready.

Cyclone tracks, rainfall intensity and local warnings can change as the system moves. Residents should rely on the latest IMD bulletins and instructions from their respective district administrations rather than unverified social media messages.

Cyclone Arnab’s expected landfall remains focused on the Andhra Pradesh coast, while southern Odisha faces the threat of heavy rainfall and strong winds. The immediate priority for both states is to protect vulnerable communities, maintain essential services and minimise casualties and infrastructure damage.