Coastal communities are on high alert as Cyclone Arnab made landfall on India's eastern coast early on October 28, bringing torrential rains and powerful winds. Here is what you need to know to stay safe and informed.
Landfall and Current Status
The India Meteorological Department
(IMD) confirmed that 'very severe' cyclonic storm Arnab completed its landfall process along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on the morning of October 28, 2026. The storm crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching up to 150 kmph. After making landfall, the cyclone weakened from a 'very severe' to a 'severe' cyclonic storm. Officials expect it to weaken further as it moves inland. The landfall process, which began in the early hours, was prolonged as the storm moved slowly, bringing intense weather conditions to the region for several hours.
Affected Areas and Official Warnings
A red alert for extremely heavy rainfall was issued for several districts in Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Anakapalli, Konaseema, East and West Godavari, and Krishna. Parts of southern Odisha are also under alert for heavy rainfall and strong winds. The IMD warned of storm surges of 1.5 to 2.5 metres that could inundate low-lying coastal areas, particularly near Kakinada and Yanam. Flash flood warnings have been issued for vulnerable districts across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Residents in these areas are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Impact on the Ground
The cyclone has caused significant disruption. Ferocious winds and heavy rainfall have uprooted thousands of trees and electricity poles, leading to widespread power outages, especially in the Konaseema district. Roads have been blocked by fallen debris, and several low-lying areas in cities like Visakhapatnam have been flooded. There have been reports of damage to banana and coconut plantations. To ensure safety, authorities cancelled dozens of train services and several flights. Schools in affected districts in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand were ordered to close as a precautionary measure.
Government Response and Evacuations
State and national disaster response teams are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. Ahead of the storm, nearly 100,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed 31 teams across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Yanam. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are also on the ground. Authorities have set up over 2,000 cyclone shelters and mobilised more than 1,000 medical teams to provide emergency assistance. Officials are working to restore power and clear blocked roads as quickly as possible.
How to Stay Safe
It is crucial for residents in the affected regions to prioritise safety. Stay indoors and away from coastal areas. Do not venture into the sea. Avoid driving or walking through flooded roads. Be cautious of damaged buildings, uprooted trees, and broken power lines. Authorities have warned of the risk of electrocution from exposed wires, with at least two fatalities reported due to contact with live wires. Rely on official sources like the IMD and state disaster management authorities for the latest updates. The government is using mobile alerts and a WhatsApp-based service to keep residents informed. If you are in a designated danger zone, follow all evacuation orders from local officials.
