Cyclone Alert / Cyclone Arnab Nears Andhra Coast, Bringing Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds

Visakhapatnam, Oct 27: The very severe cyclonic storm Arnab moved closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday, triggering heavy rainfall, strong winds and high tidal waves in several coastal districts, prompting authorities to step up preparedness measures to prevent loss of life and property.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Andhra Pradesh as the cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28.

Cyclone Intensifies

According to the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone Arnab moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 18 kmph during the previous six hours and was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 2.30 p.m. on October 27. The system was located about 140 km southeast of Kakinada, 170 km south of Visakhapatnam, 230 km east of Machilipatnam, 300 km east-northeast of Bapatla and 380 km south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.

The weather system is expected to continue moving northwestwards and cross the coast as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph.

Impact Felt Along Coast

Several coastal districts began experiencing the cyclone's impact as heavy rain and gusty winds lashed parts of the region. In Visakhapatnam, trees and electric poles were uprooted at a few locations, while vehicles were damaged after a tree fell in MVP Sector-3. Waterlogging was reported in parts of Old Gajuwaka.

In Kakinada and Konaseema districts, huge waves battered the coastline, with seawater breaching sand barriers and spilling onto roads. Fishermen were shifted from vulnerable coastal villages to safer locations.

Heavy rainfall continued in Kakinada district, accompanied by winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 60 kmph. Kakinada Collector Harindhira Prasad and Superintendent of Police Bindu Madhav reviewed preparedness measures at Talarevu.

Administration on Alert

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain said heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in East Godavari, West Godavari, Kakinada, Konaseema and Anakapalli districts until Wednesday morning. He warned that the next 12 hours would be crucial and advised people living in huts and temporary shelters to move to rehabilitation centres immediately.
Also Read: Cyclone Arnab: ECoR Activates War Room, Puts Rail Network on High Alert

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through a teleconference with Collectors of coastal districts and directed officials to take all precautionary measures. He instructed authorities to ensure the availability of food, drinking water and other essentials in relief camps, relocate residents from low-lying areas and make full use of NDRF and SDRF teams while monitoring developments through district control rooms.
(With inputs from IANS)