The landfall process of the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab is ongoing along the Andhra Pradesh coast, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm’s centre remains in proximity to the coastline, with the northern spiral band having moved further inland. The IMD indicated that this landfall process is expected to persist for an additional three hours.

Currently, the cyclone is situated over the west-central Bay of Bengal, near latitude 16.4 degrees north and longitude 82.0 degrees east. The storm is approximately 30 km east of Narsapur, 45 km south-southwest of Yanam, 70 km south-southwest of Kakinada, and 90 km east-northeast of Machilipatnam. The IMD forecasts that the cyclone will continue to progress northwestward, crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to the south of Yanam.

Wind speeds are anticipated to reach a maximum of 135 kmph, with gusts potentially hitting 150 kmph during the next three hours. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have already impacted several districts, including Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Konaseema, as the cyclone approaches the coast.

Emergency Rescues Amid Flooding

In Kakinada, local police successfully rescued four individuals stranded in floodwaters near the Bombay Katta area. Following significant rainfall and seawater inundation, these individuals were unable to leave their accommodation after attempting to travel for work earlier in the day. The floodwaters surrounded their location, leaving them isolated until nightfall.

Upon receiving alerts about their predicament, police initiated a rescue operation, successfully evacuating all four individuals. They were subsequently transported back to their homes, as confirmed by a press release from the district police.

Additionally, three other individuals were reported stranded at the Central Water Commission (CWC) godowns in Kakinada Anchorage Port. Floodwater and seawater had entered the facility, resulting in a complete power outage that hindered night-shift personnel from leaving. Police noted that the operations team and other personnel associated with the Local Port Authority (LPA) were also unable to exit due to the surrounding floodwaters.

Public Safety Measures and Warnings

One of the stranded individuals, G Raju, an employee of a private company, recounted his experience of being trapped during his afternoon shift as Cyclone Arnab made landfall. He expressed gratitude towards the rescue team for their timely intervention. Similarly, C Durga Prasad, a resident of Nadakuduru, shared his experience of being caught in floodwaters while attempting to reach the Kakinada bus stop amid the cyclone. He thanked local police for their swift response to the community’s alerts.

Authorities have advised residents to refrain from venturing outdoors unless absolutely necessary, particularly in flood-affected areas. Individuals trapped in precarious situations or in need of emergency assistance have been encouraged to contact Dial 112 or the Kakinada Police Control Room for help.

The situation remains dynamic, and local authorities continue to monitor the cyclone’s progress closely. Emergency services are on high alert to respond to any further incidents as the storm impacts the region.

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