Cyclone Alert / Cyclone Arnab’s Landfall Process Begins Near Yanam, Close to Kakinada

Visakhapatnam, Oct 28: The landfall process of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab began near Yanam, close to Kakinada, on the Andhra Pradesh coast, officials said early on Wednesday.

The process is expected to be completed by 4 AM, as the cyclone continues to affect coastal areas with heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

Officials said adverse weather conditions are likely to persist even after the cyclone completes its landfall.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to remain indoors while the storm crosses the coast and avoid unnecessary movement during the period.

Andhra Pradesh on Alert

The Andhra Pradesh government has placed coastal districts on high 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 residents living in huts and temporary shelters to shift immediately to rehabilitation centres.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through a teleconference with collectors of coastal districts and directed officials to take all precautions to prevent loss of life and property. He instructed authorities to ensure food, drinking water and essential supplies at relief camps, relocate people from low-lying areas and fully utilise NDRF and SDRF teams for emergency response.

Also Read: Odisha Evacuates 48,000 People, Shuts Schools in 16 Districts Ahead of Cyclone Arnab

Odisha Steps Up Preparedness

In Odisha, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said micro-level planning for the cyclone had already been completed. ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas, while evacuation of people from low-lying and cyclone-prone locations has begun.

The Minister said cyclone and flood shelters have been readied and all necessary humanitarian assistance has been arranged at relief centres.

Officials in both States continue to closely monitor the developing situation as Cyclone Arnab approaches the coast.