Cyclone Arnab intensified over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, October 27, triggering large-scale evacuations, railway disruptions and emergency preparations across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the storm is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, October 28, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall. Authorities are moving residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations and preparing rescue teams as the cyclone approaches the eastern coastline.
Nearly 50,000 people had been moved to shelters in Andhra Pradesh by Monday night, according to state disaster management officials. The government estimates that around 400,000 people may need evacuation, and preparations are continuing across vulnerable districts. Railway services have also been affected, with 53 train services listed for cancellation on October 27 and 28 as a precaution against the expected weather conditions.
The IMD has forecast that Cyclone Arnab could cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. Sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 115-125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph. The system has been moving over the west-central Bay of Bengal, and officials are monitoring its direction and intensity closely. The exact areas affected will depend on the cyclone’s final track and the strength it maintains at landfall.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the state’s preparations and directed officials to remain alert. District administrations have been instructed to move people from coastal and low-lying areas, prepare relief shelters and ensure essential services are available. Emergency teams are on standby to respond to flooding, damaged roads, fallen trees and possible power outages.
Authorities are also prioritising vulnerable residents. Pregnant women living in areas at risk have been moved to healthcare facilities so that medical assistance remains accessible during the storm. Reports said 4,711 pregnant women had been shifted to primary health centres, community health centres and hospitals. Educational institutions in several affected districts have been ordered to remain closed from October 27 to 31 as a precaution.
The state has strengthened its emergency response arrangements, including boat rescue teams, life jackets and equipment to remove fallen trees. Officials are preparing for possible damage to electricity lines, communication networks and roads. Residents have been advised to follow district-level instructions and move to designated shelters whenever evacuation orders are issued.
Odisha has also stepped up preparations, particularly in its southern districts, which could receive heavy rainfall and experience localised flooding. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are among the districts under close watch. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in several vulnerable areas are scheduled to remain closed on October 28 and 29. Authorities have arranged shelters and kept disaster response teams ready to assist residents.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reviewed preparedness and directed departments to coordinate their response. Officials have restricted fishing activities and access to vulnerable tourist locations, including hills, waterfalls and dams. These measures aim to prevent accidents as rainfall intensifies and water levels rise. Emergency teams are also preparing to restore roads, electricity and drinking water supplies if infrastructure is damaged.
The cyclone’s effects could extend beyond the immediate landfall zone. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, while Telangana and southern Chhattisgarh may also receive significant rain as the system moves inland. Rainfall could cause waterlogging, flooding and transport delays even in areas that do not experience the strongest winds.
Railway authorities have announced cancellations and changes to several services, including trains connecting Visakhapatnam, Koraput and Kirandul. Some trains may be short-terminated or begin their journeys from different stations. Passengers have been advised to check official railway announcements before travelling, as further changes may be made depending on the storm’s movement and conditions along railway routes.
The central government has also reviewed preparations through the National Crisis Management Committee. The Cabinet Secretary has received updates from the IMD on the cyclone’s projected path and likely intensity. National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams have been placed on standby, while control rooms are coordinating preparations with state and district administrations.
Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, as well as waters along the Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Yanam coasts, through October 29. Residents have been urged to avoid beaches, flooded roads, swollen rivers and damaged electrical wires.
Families in vulnerable areas should keep essential medicines, drinking water, identification documents, flashlights and charged mobile phones ready. People should follow evacuation orders promptly rather than waiting for conditions to worsen. Residents should rely on official IMD bulletins and district administration announcements for updated warnings.
With landfall expected on October 28, the immediate priority is to protect lives and limit damage to homes, transport networks and essential infrastructure. Authorities across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are continuing evacuation and emergency preparations as they brace for strong winds, heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
