Watch: Cyclone Arnab: What Andhra Pradesh needs to know
As Cyclone Arnab approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, authorities have stepped up evacuations, cancelled train services and flights, and activated cyclone shelters across vulnerable districts. The Hindu’s Sumit Bhattacharjee explains the storm’s expected landfall, the threat of heavy rain and strong winds, and how Andhra Pradesh has strengthened its disaster preparedness since Cyclone Hudhud.
Cyclone Arnab is on track to make landfall on the eastern coast of India early Wednesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm, currently moving rapidly, is expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. IMD predicts the cyclone will arrive as a severe cyclone with wind speeds ranging from 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are bracing for the impact, with an orange alert issued for several districts in both states. Odisha has evacuated over 48,000 people to shelters in eight districts, while several districts in Odisha are under red warning due to predicted heavy rainfall and strong winds. The government has deployed thousands of personnel and resources to manage the situation, including 244 fire services teams, 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, and nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
Cyclone Arnab's path is expected to bring significant rainfall and strong winds to vulnerable coastal areas, with a risk of landslides in some districts. Authorities have taken precautions, including closing beaches, securing fishing boats, and providing medical services in affected areas.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Cyclone Arnab set to make landfall in few hours, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on alert indianexpress.com
- Cyclone Arnab: Civil Aviation Ministry reviews situation to ensure safety of flight operations thehindu.com
- Cyclone Arnab makes landfall along Andhra Pradesh coast, triggers heavy rain and strong winds hindustantimes.com
