Cyclone Arnab is reportedly closing in on the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting the Centre to issue alerts in four states and Puducherry. The storm has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall on the morning of October 28. The states on high alert include Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm was located over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal at 5:30 am on Monday. At that time, it was approximately 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and was moving westwards at a speed of 15 kmph. The IMD forecasts that the storm will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on Monday and may further develop into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday.

The IMD’s bulletin indicates that Cyclone Arnab is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. The storm is expected to bring sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kmph.

Govt Prepares for Landfall

In light of the impending storm, the Cabinet Secretary convened a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to review preparedness measures and coordinate relief efforts. Officials from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have also been advised to remain vigilant due to forecasts of heavy rainfall in those regions.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed to the affected areas, with additional personnel placed on standby. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard have also prepared their rescue and relief teams in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised the importance of prioritising the safety of residents, minimising property damage, and ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted. He also highlighted the need for rapid restoration of services in the event of any disruptions caused by the storm.

Warnings Issued to Fishermen and Public

Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea from October 26 to 29 due to the dangerous conditions expected as Cyclone Arnab approaches. The Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and IMD are closely monitoring the situation and are coordinating with the relevant state authorities to ensure preparedness.

Local governments are taking proactive measures to inform and protect residents in coastal areas. Community awareness campaigns are being conducted to ensure that individuals are prepared for potential evacuations and understand safety protocols. The authorities are working to ensure that shelters are ready and that supplies are available for those in need.

As the storm approaches, the focus remains on effective communication and timely updates to keep the public informed of any changes in the cyclone’s path or intensity. The situation will continue to be monitored closely as Cyclone Arnab draws nearer to the Indian coastline.

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