Cyclone Arnab remained almost stationary off the Andhra Pradesh coast early on Wednesday, with the landfall process expected to last another two to three
hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Heavy rain, strong winds and flooding affected several districts, prompting rescue operations and precautionary measures across the state.
In its 5.30 am update, the IMD said the cyclone’s northern spiral band had moved further inland, while its centre remained close to the coastline.
The very severe cyclonic storm was located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, around 30 km east of Narsapur, 45 km south-southwest of Yanam and 70 km south-southwest of Kakinada.
The storm was expected to move north-westwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near the south of Yanam. Maximum sustained wind speeds could reach 135 kmph, with gusts of up to 150 kmph.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds hit Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema, while trees fell in several locations. The IMD reported rainfall exceeding 200 mm at multiple places between 8.30 am on October 27 and 4 am on October 28.
Kannuripalem in Anakapalli recorded the highest rainfall at 261.5 mm. KVBR School in Vizianagaram received 259.74 mm, while the 16th Police Battalion area in Visakhapatnam recorded 259.06 mm.
State officials warned that heavy rain could continue on Wednesday and Thursday.
In Kakinada, police rescued four people trapped by floodwaters near the Bombay Katta area after heavy rain and seawater inundated the locality. They were safely taken home, according to a district police statement.
Three people were also reported stranded at the Central Water Commission godowns at Kakinada Anchorage Port after floodwater entered the premises and electricity supply was disrupted.
Several commuters and workers faced difficulties as fallen trees and damaged power lines blocked roads. Akash, a manager at an apparel store, said he and others were stuck at the local bus complex after transport services were suspended.
“We started at 6 am, but vehicles have not been moving since then as trees have fallen on roads and several routes have been blocked. It has been raining continuously, while strong winds are causing more trees to fall and power lines to snap,” he told PTI.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through a teleconference at 6.15 am. He instructed officials to clear fallen trees, restore electricity when conditions allowed and prevent tanks and canals from overflowing.
Authorities had converted 609 schools into rehabilitation centres, accommodating 854 people by 5.50 am on Wednesday. Police advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded areas. People needing emergency assistance were asked to call Dial 112 or the Kakinada Police Control Room.
