Visakhapatnam: The severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ in the Bay of Bengal is nearing the Andhra Pradesh coastline, leading to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and elevated tidal waves in some areas. The state government has declared a high alert to mitigate risks to life and property.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Andhra Pradesh, as the cyclone is forecasted to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
As per the latest update from the IMD, ‘Arnab’ was located over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal and was moving west-northwest at a speed of 18 km/h during the past six hours. At 0900 UTC (1430 IST) on October 27, it was approximately 140 km southeast of Kakinada, 170 km south of Visakhapatnam, 230 km east of Machilipatnam, 300 km east-northeast of Bapatla, and 380 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha).
The cyclone is expected to continue moving west-northwestward and then northwestward, making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to the southern part of Yanam. It is anticipated to hit as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained winds of 125-135 km/h, gusting up to 150 km/h by 0600 UTC (1130 IST) on October 28, 2026.
Coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh have already begun to feel the cyclone’s effects, with areas such as Visakhapatnam experiencing heavy rains and strong winds. Reports indicate that trees and power poles have been uprooted in several locations, and vehicles have been damaged due to fallen trees in MVP Sector 3 of Visakhapatnam. Additionally, parts of Old Gajuwaka have been flooded.
In the Konaseema and Kakinada districts, large waves have been crashing against the shore, causing seawater to breach sand barriers and flow onto roadways. Fishermen have been evacuated from coastal villages to safer locations.
Heavy rainfall is impacting Kakinada district, accompanied by high waves along the coastline. Winds are gusting at speeds between 30-60 km/h along the shore.
Kakinada Collector Harindhira Prasad and Superintendent of Police Bindu Madhav are actively monitoring the situation in Talarevu.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Kakinada, Konaseema, and Anakapalli until Wednesday morning. He emphasized the need for high vigilance over the next 12 hours.
Jain also cautioned that winds could reach speeds of 100-140 km/h, advising residents in vulnerable structures to seek shelter in nearby rehabilitation centers.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with Collectors from coastal districts to assess the situation. He instructed them to implement all necessary precautions to prevent casualties and property damage.
The Chief Minister called for swift restoration of power in case of outages and ensured the availability of food, drinking water, and other essentials in rehabilitation camps. He stressed the necessity of relocating individuals from low-lying areas to safer zones.
Naidu ordered the full deployment of pre-prepared National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and directed Collectors to oversee real-time monitoring of conditions through district control rooms.
