Cyclone Arnab Batters Andhra Pradesh Coast; Odisha Issues Red Alert

A severe cyclonic storm named Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds and rough sea conditions. Several trees were uprooted in Visakhapatnam and Malkangiri in neighbouring Odisha, while strong winds and turbulent seas affected coastal areas around Kakinada. Authorities stepped up evacuation and relief operations as the storm threatened low-lying areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone was nearly stationary near the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast early Wednesday. Sustained wind speeds were reported at 120–130 kmph, with gusts reaching 145 kmph. The landfall process was expected to continue for around three hours after 7 am.

Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema Among the Affected Areas

Very high waves were observed at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam. A large tree was uprooted near the Andhra University Women's Engineering College, while heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in several parts of Kakinada.

Konaseema district suffered significant damage to its electricity infrastructure, with around 6,000 power poles reportedly brought down. Officials evacuated residents from some of the worst-affected areas, including Pagadala Peta, and moved them to rehabilitation centres.

Authorities also warned that storm surges could raise sea levels by 1 to 1.5 metres above normal in the coming hours, potentially inundating low-lying coastal areas.

Schools Converted into Relief Shelters

The Andhra Pradesh School Education Department converted 609 schools across the state into relief shelters. By early Wednesday, 854 people had reportedly taken refuge at these facilities.

Heavy rainfall was recorded across several districts between 8:30 am on October 27 and 4 am on October 28. Kanneuripalem in Anakapalli district recorded the highest rainfall at 261.5 mm. Vizianagaram received 259.74 mm, while Visakhapatnam recorded 259.06 mm during the same period.

State Government Mobilises Rescue and Relief Teams

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that 2,199 cyclone relief shelters had been prepared across the state. Rescue operations prioritised senior citizens, children, persons with disabilities and pregnant women. According to the Chief Minister, 2,360 pregnant women had been moved to hospitals and healthcare centres.

Twelve National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 10 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were deployed in vulnerable districts. Police, fire services, the Navy and the Coast Guard were also placed on alert.

More than 8,400 personnel were deployed to help restore electricity supply as quickly as possible.

The Chief Minister urged residents to remain calm, follow official instructions and cooperate with the administration. People were advised to stay in designated shelters until the storm had fully subsided, keep essential supplies and mobile phones charged, and avoid beaches, rivers, floodwaters and fallen electrical wires.

Odisha Under Red Alert

The IMD issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts in Odisha. Wind speeds of 60–70 kmph were expected in these areas, with gusts reaching 80 kmph.

An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall was issued for other southern districts of Odisha. Winds of 40–70 kmph were possible in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

IMD scientist Sanjeev Dwivedi warned of possible landslides and mudslides in the Koraput region and advised residents to avoid non-essential travel.

Authorities continued to focus on evacuations, public safety and the restoration of essential services as the storm affected coastal communities in Andhra Pradesh and threatened parts of Odisha.