Cyclone Arnab made landfall on India's east coast on Wednesday morning, bringing torrential rains and high-speed winds. The storm has prompted mass evacuations and caused significant disruption, particularly to regional air travel.
Arnab's Path and Current Status
Cyclone Arnab, which
formed over the Bay of Bengal, crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on the morning of October 28 as a 'very severe cyclonic storm'. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the storm made landfall between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. with wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph. After moving over land, the system has weakened into a 'severe cyclonic storm' and is expected to weaken further into a deep depression by the evening. The storm's remnants are projected to move northwards, bringing heavy rainfall to several other states.
Widespread Disruption to Air Travel
The primary impact for many travellers has been the widespread cancellation of flights across the region. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that airports in coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha are the most affected. Operations at Visakhapatnam airport were suspended on the afternoon of October 27, while services at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry airports were halted after 7 p.m. the same day. Major carriers including Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have cancelled dozens of flights to and from these airports, affecting routes connecting to Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Akasa Air also cancelled its Delhi-Bhogapuram service. Authorities have advised passengers to check their flight status directly with the airlines before heading to the airport.
States on High Alert
Andhra Pradesh has borne the brunt of the cyclone's initial impact, with the IMD issuing a red alert for several coastal districts including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Anakapalli. The state has evacuated approximately 50,000 people from low-lying areas. Southern Odisha is also on high alert, with more than 30,000 people evacuated as a precautionary measure. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in several Odisha districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, and Rayagada. Further inland, heavy rain is also expected in parts of Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The impact has been felt as far as West Bengal, where heavy rainfall has been reported in coastal districts.
Response and Safety Measures
National and state disaster response forces have been heavily deployed. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has positioned over 30 teams across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and neighbouring states, with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams also on the ground. These teams are engaged in clearing fallen trees, restoring road connectivity, and assisting in evacuations. Authorities have warned of a storm surge of up to 1.5 metres that could inundate low-lying coastal areas. Residents in affected areas have been advised to stay indoors and away from damaged power lines and structures. To ensure safety, schools have been closed in 16 districts in Odisha and 10 districts in Andhra Pradesh.
