Cyclone Arnab intensifies over the Bay of Bengal as the Centre reviews preparedness ahead of the forecast Andhra Pradesh landfall. (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Centre has stepped up disaster preparedness as Cyclone Arnab intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, with authorities forecasting a possible landfall along the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast on the morning of October 28. Cabinet Secretary Dr TV Somanathan chaired a high-level meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Monday to assess emergency response arrangements, evacuation readiness and measures to minimise damage to life, property and critical infrastructure.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards and intensified into Cyclonic Storm Arnab. At 5.30 am on October 26, the system was centred over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 830 km east of Machilipatnam and 910 km east of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD forecast that the storm would move west-northwestwards until October 27 before turning northwest towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. It was expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coastline between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph.
The projected weather system could also bring heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions to parts of Telangana, southern Odisha and south and central Chhattisgarh. The Centre has additionally directed authorities to alert eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where significant rainfall is also expected.
## Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Other States Step Up Disaster Preparedness
During the NCMC meeting, chief secretaries and senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and the Union Territory of Puducherry briefed the committee on preparedness measures being undertaken by state governments and local administrations.
Officials reported that adequate cyclone shelters and evacuation arrangements had been made, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams had been placed on standby. District control rooms had also been activated to monitor developments, coordinate emergency operations and facilitate communication between local authorities and response agencies.
The preparations are aimed at enabling rapid evacuation from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas if conditions deteriorate. Local administrations are also expected to coordinate relief logistics and emergency response measures according to official weather advisories and the evolving threat assessment.
Cabinet Secretary Somanathan emphasised that the overriding objective must be to ensure zero loss of life and minimise damage to property and infrastructure. He also directed that essential services be restored as quickly as possible if the cyclone causes disruption.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the IMD were specifically asked to ensure that eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar receive appropriate alerts in view of the forecast rainfall, extending the preparedness effort beyond the states directly exposed to the expected coastal landfall.
## NDRF, Armed Forces and Coast Guard on Standby
The NDRF informed the committee that response teams had been deployed, with additional units kept ready for rapid mobilisation if the situation required further reinforcement. Rescue and relief contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with ships and aircraft, had also been placed on standby.
The Indian Coast Guard reported that it had escorted multiple ships and boats towards jetties and shore as a precaution. Other vessels had been alerted to return to the coast, reflecting the heightened maritime safety measures being implemented ahead of the storm’s projected approach.
These steps are intended to reduce risks to fishing communities, maritime workers and vessels operating in the affected waters. The availability of rescue teams, transport assets and emergency equipment will be important if coastal flooding, infrastructure damage or widespread disruption occurs.
The Union Home Secretary told the committee that the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the IMD were continuously monitoring the cyclone and coordinating with central ministries, state governments and other response agencies.
Central ministries and departments participating in the meeting also confirmed that standard operating procedures had been activated, relevant guidelines issued and precautionary measures initiated to limit the impact of the storm.
## Fishermen Warned Against Venturing into the Sea
Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, as well as along and off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Yanam in Puducherry, from October 26 to October 29.
Officials informed the committee that fishermen who were already at sea had returned. The Coast Guard’s efforts to guide vessels towards safe locations are part of the broader precautionary response to the deteriorating marine conditions.
Such restrictions are particularly important as cyclonic systems can produce dangerous winds, rough seas and rapidly changing weather, creating serious risks for fishing boats and other vessels. Fishermen and coastal residents have been urged to follow official advisories and instructions issued by local administrations.
## High-Level Coordination to Minimise Damage
The NCMC review brought together senior officials responsible for disaster management, weather forecasting, internal security, maritime operations, power supply, petroleum and fisheries. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary; chief secretaries and senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Puducherry; and secretaries from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Ministry of Power.
Also present were the Member and Head of Department and Secretary of the NDMA; the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee; the Director General of the NDRF; the Director General of the IMD; the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard; the Director General of Media and Communication in the Ministry of Home Affairs; and senior officers from the IMD and the Home Ministry.
The coordinated review reflects the Centre’s effort to bring weather forecasting, evacuation planning, maritime safety, emergency response and restoration of essential services under a unified preparedness framework.
With Cyclone Arnab forecast to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, the next phase of the response will depend on the storm’s movement, intensity and updated IMD advisories. Authorities are focusing on early warnings, readiness of rescue teams, protection of vulnerable communities and rapid restoration of critical infrastructure should damage occur.
