The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has upgraded the intensity of Cyclone Arnab to a "very severe cyclonic storm" as it tracks toward the Andhra Pradesh coast. Forecasters now expect the system to make landfall near Yanam on Wednesday, October 28, accompanied by destructive wind gusts reaching up to 150 kmph.
Widespread Disruptions and Evacuations
In anticipation of the storm's arrival, authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations across 11 districts in Andhra Pradesh, where a red alert remains in effect. The severe weather has already caused significant logistical disruptions, with at least 61 trains cancelled and flight operations to Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada facing potential suspensions.
Local governments have ordered the closure of schools to ensure student safety. Beyond the immediate landfall zone, the cyclone’s reach is expected to trigger heavy rainfall across a wide region, including parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal, where moderate to heavy showers are forecast.
Emergency response teams are currently stationed in high-risk areas, including Kakinada, as the region braces for the impact of the storm. Residents in the path of the cyclone are advised to follow official updates and adhere to evacuation orders as the system continues to intensify.
