Coastal Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Arnab, a "very severe cyclonic storm" currently tracking toward the state's coastline. As the system nears landfall, authorities have issued a red alert across 11 districts, with Kakinada and surrounding regions experiencing heightened anxiety as weather conditions begin to deteriorate.
Widespread Disruptions and Safety Measures
In anticipation of the storm, the state government has initiated large-scale evacuations to move residents in vulnerable areas to safety. The impact on infrastructure is already significant: over 50 trains have been cancelled, and flight operations at major airports, including Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, face potential disruptions due to the approaching severe weather.
Educational institutions across the affected districts have been ordered to shut down to ensure student safety. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of squally winds reaching speeds of up to 70 kmph, with heavy rainfall expected to lash districts including Anakapalle, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Vizianagaram. Beyond Andhra Pradesh, the cyclone’s reach is being felt in neighboring regions, with Jharkhand under alert for heavy rains and West Bengal bracing for increased cloud cover and showers.
Emergency response teams remain on standby as the state prepares for the storm's landfall, which is expected to occur in the coming days. Residents in coastal zones are advised to follow official updates and adhere to evacuation orders as the situation evolves.
