Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab made landfall on India's eastern coast on Wednesday morning, bringing high-speed winds and heavy rain that have disrupted travel across several states. For those with travel plans, here is what you need to check.
Monitor Official Weather Alerts
The India
Meteorological Department (IMD) is the primary source for all weather warnings. As of Wednesday morning, October 28, Cyclone Arnab has crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts. The IMD reported that the storm made landfall with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph, before weakening slightly. Authorities in affected states like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have been issuing advisories based on IMD forecasts, including evacuation orders for low-lying coastal areas. Travellers should closely follow updates from the IMD and state disaster management authorities to understand the storm's path and potential impact on their location and destination. Avoid misinformation on social media and rely on official channels.
Check Your Flight and Train Status
The cyclone has caused widespread cancellations and disruptions to air and rail travel. Multiple airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have cancelled flights to and from airports in the region, particularly Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry. Visakhapatnam airport suspended all operations from Tuesday afternoon ahead of the storm. Similarly, Indian Railways has cancelled over 100 train services as a precautionary measure, with many other trains diverted or rescheduled. Affected routes include major lines connecting Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana. Before heading to the airport or railway station, check your flight or train status directly with the airline or via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for railways.
Confirm Your Accommodation
If you are travelling to or are already in an area affected by the cyclone, contact your hotel or accommodation provider immediately. Confirm if they are operational and what safety measures they have in place. In some coastal regions, authorities have set up temporary shelters and may have requisitioned hotels for emergency response. Given the risk of flooding, power outages, and disruption to essential services, it is crucial to ensure your accommodation is safe and accessible. Ask about their power backup, food supplies, and emergency procedures. If your hotel is in a designated high-risk zone, you may need to relocate to a safer area or a government-administered shelter.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
For those already in an affected area, having an emergency kit is essential. Widespread damage to infrastructure is common, and power, water, and communication lines can be down for extended periods. Your kit should be in a waterproof bag and contain nonperishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, any necessary medications, a torch with extra batteries, and a fully charged power bank for your mobile phone. It is also wise to have digital and physical copies of your important documents, such as your ID, tickets, and hotel confirmations. Do not venture outside until authorities declare it is safe to do so, as fallen trees, broken power lines, and flooded roads pose significant dangers even after the storm has passed.
Understand Your Travel Rights
In situations like a cyclone, which is considered an 'Act of God' or a 'force majeure' event, airlines are generally not required to pay separate cash compensation for cancellations. However, passengers are typically entitled to a full refund for the cancelled ticket. You can also opt to reschedule your flight for a later date without penalty, though policies vary by airline. Indian Railways also provides full refunds for trains cancelled due to weather events. Keep all receipts for any additional expenses incurred due to cancellations, such as meals or alternative accommodation, as you may be able to claim them through your travel insurance. Contact your airline, railway authorities, or travel agent to understand the specific policies related to your booking.
