India evacuates tens of thousands as Cyclone Arnab makes landfall
Neighbouring Sri Lanka closed schools over flash flood and mudslide risks, while Nepal warned of avalanches as the storm moves towards the Himalayas.
Cyclone Arnab, a very severe cyclonic storm with winds of 125-135kph, made landfall in southeastern India on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of nearly 100,000 people across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The India Meteorological Department warned of potential total destruction of thatched houses, damage to power and communications infrastructure, and widespread crop destruction.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh emphasized the priority of protecting lives as the storm approached the coast. Villagers reported unprecedented flooding and damage to their homes, with some evacuated to government-run shelters. The storm also impacted Sri Lanka and Nepal, with the latter facing a high risk of heavy snowfall and avalanches as the storm moved inland towards the Himalayas.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
