Cyclone Arnab nears Andhra coast: 16 districts at risk, winds to hit 140 kmph

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh has stepped up its disaster preparedness as severe cyclonic storm Arnab moves across the west-central Bay of Bengal towards the coast. It is expected to make landfall near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by Wednesday (October 28) morning, with winds reaching up to 140 kmph and extremely heavy rainfall forecast in some areas.

The cyclone moved at 25 kmph over the previous six hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA). As of Tuesday (October 27) morning, its centre was about 300 km from Visakhapatnam, 360 km from Kakinada, 460 km from Machilipatnam and 530 km from Bapatla.

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said that Arnab was expected to move west-northwestwards until Tuesday evening before turning northwest towards the coastline.

The IMD has warned that the storm is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by the time it makes landfall. Sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph are expected, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. Isolated coastal areas are also likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall.

Orange alert

The IMD has placed Visakhapatnam under an orange alert. Light rain has already begun in the city. The weather department has forecast light thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph over the next three hours in parts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Anakapalli.

Preliminary assessments have identified 16 districts at risk from the cyclone. The affected areas include 2,460 revenue villages and 92 urban areas. Authorities have prepared 1,763 cyclone shelters and established 2,907 control rooms at district and mandal levels. A total of 3,185 nodal officers have been deployed to coordinate relief and emergency operations.

Evacuation procedures are underway across 2,107 Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward units to move vulnerable residents to safer places. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been deployed across 11 high-risk districts for rescue and relief work.

Coastal restrictions, emergency services put in place

Authorities have banned public access to all beaches and will suspend movement along coastal roads from Tuesday afternoon as the storm approaches. Officials have also confirmed that all fishermen who had ventured into the sea have returned safely. A total of 30,043 fishing vessels have been anchored and secured at harbours.

Medical arrangements have been made in cyclone-prone areas to maintain essential healthcare services during the emergency. Authorities have also kept 2,613 emergency water tankers ready for deployment to prevent drinking water shortages.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay indoors and alert and follow official instructions.