Cyclone Arnab 'practically stationary,' landfall process to continue for 2-3 hours

Amid Cyclone Arnab's extensive landfall process, heavy rains battered various districts in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday morning, with officials expecting the situation to persist for 2-3 hours. Cyclone Arnab, a very severe cyclonic storm, remained practically stationary along the Andhra Pradesh coast, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The cyclone's northern spiral band had entered the land, while its center stayed very close to the coastline. Its path was forecasted to continue moving northwestward, crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near the southern region of Yanam.

In Kakinada, police conducted a rescue operation to save four individuals who were stranded in floodwaters due to Cyclone Arnab. Similarly, three people were reported stranded at the CWC godowns in Kakinada Anchorage Port due to the storm.

The IMD documented heavy rainfall with amounts surpassing 200 mm in several locations, including Kannuripalem in Anakapalli, KVBR School in Vizianagaram district, and the 16th Police Battalion area in Visakhapatnam. The storm brought strong winds, up to 135 kmph, and gusts of 150 kmph, resulting in fallen trees and disrupted power supply.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference to review the situation in cyclone-affected regions and the ongoing relief efforts. He directed officials to clear uprooted trees and restore power supply once the storm weakened. Additionally, the state School Education Department converted 609 schools into rehabilitation centers to accommodate 854 people.