Cyclone Arnab completed its landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast early on Wednesday, October 28, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds and disruption to several coastal districts. Although the storm began weakening after moving over land, authorities remained on alert as flooding, waterlogging and damage to infrastructure continued to threaten vulnerable communities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracked the cyclone as it crossed the coast near Narsapur, close to Yanam. The storm had intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal before reaching land. Its arrival prompted evacuations, transport restrictions and emergency preparations across coastal areas.
The landfall process continued for several hours, exposing coastal communities to sustained strong winds and intense rainfall. The cyclone crossed the coast with wind speeds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. After moving inland, the system weakened into a severe cyclonic storm, but officials warned that dangerous weather conditions could persist.
Heavy rainfall remained a major concern as the storm moved across the region. Several locations in Andhra Pradesh recorded more than 200 mm of rain within 24 hours, increasing the risk of flooding, damaged roads and water entering homes and public buildings.
Kannuripalem in Anakapalli district recorded 261.5 mm of rainfall, while KVBR School in Vizianagaram district received 259.74 mm. The 16th Police Battalion area in Visakhapatnam recorded 259.06 mm, according to reported rainfall figures. Such intense precipitation raised concerns about drainage systems being overwhelmed and low-lying settlements becoming inundated.
The districts of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema and West Godavari experienced heavy rain and strong winds. Residents in vulnerable areas were advised to remain indoors and follow instructions from local authorities. The IMD had also warned of a possible storm surge of around one to 1.5 metres above the normal astronomical tide in low-lying coastal areas during landfall.
Roads blocked, power supply disrupted
Cyclone Arnab disrupted transport and electricity services across parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh. Strong winds uprooted trees, damaged power lines and blocked roads, making travel difficult for residents and emergency personnel. Electricity supplies were interrupted in some areas as a precaution, while restoration work depended on weather conditions becoming safer.
In Kakinada, rescue personnel assisted people stranded by the adverse weather. Fallen trees and flooded roads created difficulties for commuters, while rough sea conditions posed additional risks to coastal communities. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from damaged electrical infrastructure.
The cyclone also affected Yanam, part of the Union Territory of Puducherry. Coastal communities experienced heavy rain, rough seas and strong winds as the weather system crossed the region.
Even after the cyclone’s centre moved inland, the danger did not disappear immediately. Persistent rainfall, weakened structures, fallen trees and damaged power lines continued to pose risks. Residents were advised not to cross flooded roads or streams and to report dangerous conditions to emergency services.
Chief Minister reviews relief measures
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and directed officials to accelerate emergency response measures. He instructed district administrations to clear uprooted trees, restore electricity when conditions permitted and ensure that relief camps had adequate food, drinking water and medical assistance.
Officials were also directed to monitor tanks, canals and other water bodies to prevent overflowing and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby settlements. The administration focused on protecting agricultural and horticultural crops while assessing damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure.
Precautionary measures had been introduced before landfall, including the relocation of residents from vulnerable areas to safer shelters. Disaster response teams remained prepared to conduct rescue operations, clear blocked roads and assist people affected by flooding and storm damage.
The government also prioritised the safety of people living in low-lying coastal settlements, where intense rain and rising water levels could create dangerous conditions. Authorities continued coordinating with local officials to identify areas requiring urgent assistance.
Odisha remains on weather alert
Odisha also remained on alert as the cyclone moved inland. Parts of the state faced the possibility of heavy rainfall and strong winds, while authorities monitored vulnerable districts for flooding and transport disruptions.
The IMD continued issuing weather updates, advising residents to follow official warnings and avoid venturing into rough seas. Fishermen were urged to remain ashore, while people in flood-prone locations were advised to prepare for possible waterlogging and rising water levels.
The cyclone’s weakening was expected to reduce wind intensity gradually, but rainfall could continue to affect eastern India. The combination of saturated ground, overflowing drains and swollen water bodies increased the possibility of localised flooding even after the storm lost strength.
As Cyclone Arnab moved farther inland, the immediate priority remained protecting lives, restoring essential services and providing assistance to affected families. Emergency teams continued monitoring conditions, while authorities prepared to assess damage and support communities as the weather improved.
The completion of landfall marked an important stage in the cyclone’s passage, but recovery was expected to take time. Residents were urged to remain cautious until official alerts were lifted and roads, electricity supplies and other essential services returned to normal.
