Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha remain on high alert as Cyclone Arnab approaches the eastern coastline, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, during the early hours of Wednesday. Winds are expected to reach up to 135 kmph, with gusts touching 150 kmph.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have intensified evacuation efforts, relocating more than 84,000 people to cyclone shelters as the severe storm inches closer to the coast. Emergency agencies, including disaster response teams, the Navy, and the Coast Guard, have been placed on standby to tackle potential emergencies.
In Odisha, the state administration has also launched extensive preparedness measures. Tens of thousands of residents in vulnerable coastal areas are being shifted to safer locations, while hundreds of rescue teams have been deployed across districts expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone.
The approaching storm has already disrupted normal life. Several flights from Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam have been cancelled, while railway authorities have suspended and diverted multiple train services as a precautionary measure. Schools have been closed in affected districts of both states.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has been reported in parts of Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by strong winds that have uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure in some coastal regions. Rough sea conditions and continuous rain have also been reported along Odisha’s coastline, particularly in Ganjam district.
State governments have urged residents to remain indoors, avoid venturing into the sea, and follow official advisories. Control rooms are operating round the clock, while emergency supplies, power restoration teams, and medical services are being kept ready to respond swiftly once the cyclone makes landfall.
With weather agencies warning of widespread rainfall and strong winds across eastern India, officials continue to monitor Cyclone Arnab’s movement closely, emphasizing public safety as the top priority.
