Cyclone Arnab: 13 Andhra Districts on Flash Flood Alert as Rains Continue Until November 3

Andhra Pradesh is bracing for continued heavy rainfall and possible flash floods following Cyclone Arnab, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing warnings for 13 districts and forecasting unsettled weather until November 3. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to accelerate relief operations, restore power supplies and clear roads blocked by fallen trees. With several areas reporting exceptionally heavy rainfall and damage to infrastructure, the state government has prioritised emergency response and the restoration of essential services.

The flood warning covers Bapatla, Guntur, NTR, Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, Kakinada, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Parvathipuram Manyam and West Godavari districts. The IMD cautioned that saturated soil, overflowing streams and waterlogged low-lying areas could increase the risk of flash flooding. Residents have been advised to avoid canals, streams and flood-prone locations.

Reviewing the situation from the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) centre at the Secretariat, Naidu held a teleconference with district collectors and instructed them to expedite restoration work. Officials reported heavy rainfall in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada districts over the preceding 24 hours.

The impact on trees has been particularly severe in Konaseema, where approximately 43,000 trees, including coconut trees, were reported to have fallen. Another 4,000 trees were reported down in West Godavari. Officials said fallen trees had been cleared from National Highway 16, while the Chief Minister directed them to complete road clearance across affected areas and speed up electricity restoration in Konaseema and West Godavari. He also stressed the need to maintain drinking water supplies and sanitation.

The rainfall was particularly intense in northern coastal Andhra Pradesh. Garividi recorded 26 cm, the highest among the locations listed in the IMD report. Anakapalli, Srungavarapukota, Vepada and Cheepurupalli received 25 cm each, while Bheemunipatnam, Mentada and Yelamanchili recorded 24 cm each. Strong winds also affected coastal areas, reaching 96 kmph in Machilipatnam.

Although Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast on Wednesday morning and was expected to weaken gradually, further rain and thunderstorms remain possible. The IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, with isolated heavy showers possible through November 3. Thunderstorms and lightning may also affect Rayalaseema.

Naidu has ordered officials to assess damage to crops, horticulture, livestock, houses, roads, electricity infrastructure and water bodies. He also called for continuous monitoring of reservoir inflows using CCTV cameras and other technology. Authorities have been asked to coordinate closely, respond promptly to ground-level developments and take measures to minimise loss of life and property.