New Delhi: Cyclone Arnab is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday night and a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.
The storm is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by Wednesday forenoon, bringing maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph, according to the IMD.
The weather system has triggered alerts across several states, with authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha stepping up evacuation plans and emergency preparedness to minimise casualties and damage.
Red alert for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28, with Odisha also likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall on October 28.
In Odisha, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput, particularly from the evening of October 27, IMD Bhubaneswar director Manorama Mohanty said.
The weather department has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Telangana, Vidarbha, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar between October 27 and 30. East Uttar Pradesh may experience heavy rainfall on October 29 and 30.
Andhra Pradesh prepares for evacuation
The Andhra Pradesh government has identified around 5.7 lakh people as vulnerable to the cyclone, with evacuation operations scheduled to begin on Monday evening, according to a Reuters report citing a senior state disaster management official.
Authorities have directed fishing boats to return to shore and are preparing for possible disruptions to electricity and essential services.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams, while additional personnel remain on standby. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have also kept rescue teams, ships and aircraft ready for emergency operations.
At a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee on Monday, officials reviewed preparedness measures and stressed the need to prevent loss of life and restore essential services quickly in the event of damage.
Odisha shuts educational institutions in six districts
The Odisha government has intensified precautionary measures in six vulnerable districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur.
Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a precautionary measure.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned eight ministers to monitor preparations, while disaster response teams from the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, Fire and Emergency Services and police have been deployed in vulnerable locations.
The state has also prohibited fishing activities and restricted tourist entry to hills, waterfalls and dams in the six districts. Officials have been directed to coordinate evacuations, prepare cyclone shelters and ensure emergency services remain operational.
Rain and strong winds may affect Uttar Pradesh
The impact of Cyclone Arnab could extend beyond eastern India, with the IMD warning of unseasonal rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds in Uttar Pradesh from October 28 to 31.
An orange alert has been indicated for several districts on October 29 and 30. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph, while daytime temperatures may fall by 5-8 degrees Celsius.
Heavy rainfall is also forecast in parts of Bihar and Chhattisgarh, prompting authorities to remain alert to possible flooding and disruption.
IMD urges people to follow official advisories
As Cyclone Arnab approaches the eastern coastline, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to follow official weather bulletins, cooperate with evacuation instructions and avoid travelling during severe weather.
Residents in coastal and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert to flooding, strong winds and possible power disruptions. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea during the adverse weather conditions.
With the cyclone expected to intensify further before landfall, emergency agencies across the affected states are continuing preparations, with the primary objective of ensuring public safety and minimising damage to life and property.
