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Cyclone Arnab approaches Andhra coast as mass evacuations begin (Img: Dynamite News)
Amaravati: Nearly 50,000 people have been moved to shelters in Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Arnab approaches the coast, with authorities estimating that up to four lakh people may need evacuation. The very severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by Wednesday morning, bringing powerful winds, heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm was moving west-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Tuesday before turning northwestwards. Its forecast indicated sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. The cyclone has already disrupted power supplies in parts of Visakhapatnam and affected road, rail and air transport.
Authorities have shifted more than 1,350 pregnant women to hospitals as a precaution, secured over 30,000 fishing boats and deployed 1,087 medical teams. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to evacuate residents from low-lying areas, stock relief camps with essential supplies and ensure the rapid restoration of electricity and transport services.
Also Read: Cyclone Arnab Explained: How Strong Is the Storm and What Damage Can It Cause?
Schools in 10 districts have been ordered to remain closed. The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council has also postponed Foreign Medical Graduates internship allotment counselling scheduled for October 27 and 28 in Vijayawada.
Rising sea waves have disrupted traffic between Uppada and Kakinada, while electricity supply has been affected in parts of Visakhapatnam. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until the morning of October 30.
Cyclone-related disruptions have led to the cancellation of several flights connecting Vijayawada with Kadapa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam. The affected services include multiple IndiGo flights and an Air India Express service on the Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada route.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed preparations on Tuesday, with safety protocols and rapid restoration measures put in place across the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam railway divisions. Officials are monitoring around 600 km of railway track ahead of the expected landfall. Some train services have also been cancelled on affected routes.
Several ports along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts have been placed under danger or local cautionary signals.
Odisha is also bracing for the cyclone’s impact, with the IMD forecasting widespread rainfall, including heavy to very heavy showers and isolated extremely heavy rain in some areas.
The state government has prepared cyclone shelters, released Rs 19 crore for relief operations and planned evacuations from vulnerable locations. Around 3,000 women in advanced stages of pregnancy are to be moved to hospitals or safer places as a precaution. Fishing and ferry services have been suspended, while train services on affected routes have been cancelled.
Also Read: Prashant Kishor’s Aide Found Dead A Day After Disappearing From Ranchi-Patna Train
West Bengal is preparing for heavy rainfall and gusty winds, particularly in southern districts. Authorities are monitoring the situation and have instructed district administrations to remain alert, protect vulnerable residents and prepare for disruptions to essential services. The effects of the cyclone could continue even after it moves inland.
In Nepal, authorities have warned tourists against travelling to high-altitude areas from Thursday night through Saturday because of the possibility of torrential rain, snowstorms and avalanches in the Himalayan region.
The evolving weather situation has prompted emergency preparations across the affected areas, with authorities prioritising evacuations, medical support and the protection of infrastructure to minimise casualties and damage.
