Odisha, Andhra Pradesh on High Alert as Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab Approaches

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh intensified emergency preparations as Cyclone Arnab approached their coastal regions ahead of Wednesday’s expected landfall.

The India Meteorological Department reported that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal had intensified into Cyclone Arnab. The weather department forecast landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with sustained winds reaching 125 kilometres per hour by Wednesday morning. Officials warned that powerful gusts could reach 140 kilometres per hour, threatening coastal communities, infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety. The National Crisis Management Committee reviewed preparations and directed authorities to minimise casualties, protect infrastructure, and restore essential services quickly. The National Disaster Response Force deployed rescue teams across vulnerable areas and kept additional personnel ready for immediate emergency operations. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard prepared ships, aircraft, and personnel to support rescue and relief efforts.

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Odisha, Andhra Pradesh Step Up Cyclone Preparations

Odisha closed schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres across six southern districts on October 28 and 29. Authorities also banned fishing, restricted tourist access to hills, waterfalls, and dams, and began evacuating residents from vulnerable locations. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appointed eight ministers to supervise preparations and coordinate emergency responses across affected districts. Officials arranged cyclone shelters, cancelled government employees’ leave, and established control rooms to coordinate rescue operations and public assistance. Authorities prioritised pregnant women, elderly residents, children, and people with disabilities during evacuations and emergency shelter arrangements. The agriculture department advised farmers to harvest mature crops and store them safely before heavy rainfall damaged their fields. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh released Rs 27 crore to twenty districts to strengthen cyclone preparedness and support emergency response operations.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to issue timely warnings, protect residents, and minimise damage from severe weather. Authorities closed educational institutions and beaches, while coastal road restrictions were scheduled to begin Tuesday afternoon for public safety. Officials arranged transportation for 4,711 pregnant women and confirmed that fishermen had returned safely from the sea. The state positioned fifteen NDRF teams across vulnerable districts to support evacuations, rescue operations, and emergency assistance. Officials warned that heavy rainfall could fill several reservoirs, prompting authorities to monitor water levels and prepare necessary precautions. The IMD also forecast heavy rainfall across West Bengal between October 28 and 30, warning residents about potential flooding. Authorities warned of possible landslides in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri, urging residents to follow official weather advisories.

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