Andhra Pradesh on High Alert as Cyclone Arnab Nears the Coast, Nearly 89,000 Evacuated

Cyclone Arnab has begun affecting parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rain, gusty winds and rough sea conditions reported ahead of its expected landfall in the early hours of October 28. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the very severe cyclonic storm would cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, between 2 am and 4 am. Authorities have intensified evacuation and emergency measures, with nearly 89,000 people evacuated as the state prepares for the storm’s impact.

In its latest bulletin issued at 5.30 pm on October 27, the IMD said Arnab was moving west-northwest at around 18 kmph and was centred approximately 90 km southeast of Kakinada, 170 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, 170 km east-northeast of Machilipatnam and 240 km east-northeast of Bapatla. The system was expected to bring maximum sustained winds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. Its outer spiral rain bands had already reached land, although the storm’s centre was yet to make landfall.

Coastal communities face additional risks from rough seas and a possible storm surge of 1–2 metres above the astronomical tide, which could inundate low-lying areas, particularly around Kakinada and Yanam. High waves have been reported near Uppada, Konapapet and Moolapeta, while rough conditions disrupted the Uppada–Kakinada road. Fishermen have been advised to remain ashore, with more than 30,000 fishing boats secured ahead of the storm.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prioritise evacuations, ensure food, drinking water and other essentials at relief centres, and restore electricity and communications quickly after the storm passes. The government has identified more than 2,000 shelters across vulnerable districts, while emergency alerts have been sent to millions of residents. At least 13,000 police personnel have been deployed, and drones may be used to deliver food and medicines to isolated villages.

The state has mobilised medical teams, ambulances and emergency beds, while 2,360 pregnant women have been shifted to medical facilities, according to the latest reported figures. Authorities are monitoring the Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers for rising water levels. Officials have also warned that up to 15,000 electricity poles could be uprooted, with 36,000 mobile towers under monitoring and 8,400 personnel kept ready for power-related emergencies. The power department has strengthened its 1912 helpline to handle a surge in complaints.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast across north coastal Andhra Pradesh, including Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and West Godavari. Forecast estimates cited by the state government indicate rainfall could reach 30 cm in Srikakulam, 28 cm in West Godavari and 23 cm in Visakhapatnam. Crops across 7.16 lakh hectares and horticultural plantations covering 16 lakh hectares are potentially at risk.

The storm’s effects are also extending into Telangana, where heavy rain is expected in Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mulugu and Mahabubabad districts. In Visakhapatnam, the district control room reported an average of 157.9 mm of rainfall, with Gopalapatnam recording 227 mm. Of 49 relief centres prepared in the district, 46 had opened, sheltering 283 people.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid beaches and flooded roads, and keep away from fallen power lines. Schools have been closed in several affected areas as administrations remain on high alert. Residents requiring emergency assistance can call 112 for emergency services or 1070 for the State Disaster Management Control Room. The disaster management helpline 1800 425 0101 is also available. Cyclone-related issues, including power outages, fallen trees and waterlogging, can be reported through the Mana Mitra WhatsApp service at 9552300009 by sending “Hi” and following the prompts.

In Visakhapatnam, residents can contact the district Collectorate control room at 0891-2590100 or 0891-2590102. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) helpline is 1800-425-0009, while its WhatsApp contact is 9014218870. For electricity-related emergencies, residents can contact the APEPDCL helpline at 1912. People have been advised to follow official advisories, avoid downed power lines and flooded routes, and contact the relevant control room if urgent assistance is required.