The official death toll from Cyclone Arnab rose dramatically on Wednesday, spiking from zero to five within hours. Initially, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reported no casualties. However, by the afternoon, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed three deaths, with Naidu later updating the total to five by evening.
Although the cyclone weakened following landfall, the latest updates indicate that the threat is far from over.
Landfall Details
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in the early hours of 28 October. The storm had fully made landfall by approximately 8 am, bringing sustained winds between 125-135 km/h and gusts reaching 150 km/h.
After reaching land, the cyclone downgraded from a very severe to a severe cyclonic storm. The IMD anticipates further weakening, predicting it will evolve into a deep depression.
Circumstances of Fatalities
The state’s reports indicate that the fatalities were caused by falling trees, collapsing walls, electric poles, and incidents of electrocution. Common dangers following a cyclone, such as downed power lines, unstable structures, and flooded roadways, contributed to the fatalities.
Evacuations and Relief Efforts
In response to the cyclone, approximately 57,000 individuals were relocated to relief camps throughout Andhra Pradesh. The NDRF mobilized 39 teams, including four that were airlifted. Meanwhile, Odisha took precautions against the cyclone’s outer bands, relocating 47,830 residents from at-risk areas across eight districts to 466 shelters, supported by 313 response teams.
Impact on Infrastructure
Kakinada and Konaseema experienced the most severe damage. Numerous trees and power poles were downed, disrupting electricity and communication in various regions. The Uppada coastal road near Kakinada suffered significant harm due to waves and erosion. Rainfall exceeding 200 mm was recorded in certain areas of Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam districts.
Naidu reported that coconut and banana crops spanning around 71,000 hectares were either partially or entirely destroyed. Nearly 180 homes sustained damage, and over 35 flights were canceled or rerouted at two state airports. Educational institutions were closed for several days.
Future Rainfall Predictions
As the system moved inland, the focus shifted northward. The IMD projected heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha and Jharkhand on 29 October, issuing an orange alert for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Bargarh. Isolated heavy rainfall is also expected in southern Bengal on 28 and 29 October. Schools in six southern districts of Odisha will remain closed until 29 October, and a fishing ban is in effect until then.
Residents are advised to heed official warnings, avoid flooded roads and damaged shoreline areas, and remain in shelters until local authorities declare it safe to return.
Conclusion
While the winds of Cyclone Arnab have diminished, the figures regarding fatalities, crop damage, and the number of affected homes continue to evolve. The initial tally swiftly escalated from zero to three, and then to five. As assessments of the damage unfold and rainfall subsides, these figures should be viewed as temporary. The guidance remains straightforward: stay informed, remain in a safe location, and await official clearance.
