Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up evacuation plans, closed schools in vulnerable districts and mobilised emergency teams as Cyclone Arnab approaches India’s eastern coast.
Indian authorities have ordered evacuations and intensified emergency preparations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as Cyclone Arnab approaches the country’s eastern coast, threatening heavy rainfall, destructive winds and flooding.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the storm would cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the morning of October 28, potentially bringing sustained winds of 115–125 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour.
Officials have activated disaster response arrangements, prepared cyclone shelters and restricted activities in vulnerable coastal areas as the storm moves across the Bay of Bengal.
Evacuations underway in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh authorities have identified around 570,000 people living in vulnerable areas who may require evacuation, according to Reuters reporting.
By Monday night, nearly 50,000 people had been moved to shelters, with evacuation operations continuing. Officials have focused on low-lying coastal communities and other areas at risk from flooding and strong winds.
The state government has also arranged emergency medical support and deployed disaster response personnel. Officials reported that more than 4,700 pregnant women had been relocated from vulnerable areas to healthcare facilities.
Educational institutions in affected districts have been ordered to close from October 27 to 31, according to local reporting.
Odisha prepares shelters and emergency teams
Neighbouring Odisha has also stepped up preparations, particularly in southern districts expected to experience heavy rainfall.
Authorities have opened cyclone shelters, mobilised emergency response teams and imposed restrictions on fishing and access to certain vulnerable tourist locations.
The state has identified districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur as areas requiring heightened preparedness. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of southern Odisha as the system approaches the coast.
Schools and colleges in five vulnerable districts have also been ordered to close as a precautionary measure.
Cyclone could bring destructive winds and heavy rain
The IMD warned that Cyclone Arnab could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall.
Forecast wind speeds of 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour, could damage vulnerable buildings, uproot trees and power poles, disrupt communications and damage standing crops.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall could also cause flooding in low-lying areas and disrupt transport and essential services. The forecast track and intensity may change, so residents have been advised to follow official weather bulletins and local evacuation instructions.
Transport and coastal activities disrupted
Authorities have urged fishermen to remain ashore and have directed boats operating at sea to return to safety.
Rail services have also been affected. Reuters reported that at least 12 trains had been cancelled and services on 53 southern coastal routes suspended for two days as authorities prepared for the storm.
Emergency agencies have been placed on standby, with disaster response teams prepared to assist affected communities, conduct rescues and support evacuation operations.
Government steps up national preparedness
India’s Cabinet Secretary chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee on October 26 to review preparations for the approaching cyclone.
According to the government’s Press Information Bureau, officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry reported on evacuation arrangements, emergency shelters and the deployment of disaster response teams.
The national weather agency also warned that the cyclone could affect areas beyond the immediate landfall zone, including parts of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the storm as it approaches the coast, with evacuations and emergency preparations aimed at reducing casualties and limiting damage.
