Cyclone Arnab has made landfall along India's eastern coast, bringing torrential rains and strong winds. Here is a detailed look at the rainfall estimates for affected states and crucial safety measures to follow.
Cyclone Arnab's Current Status
As of early morning on October 28, 'Very
Severe' Cyclonic Storm Arnab completed its landfall process along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph. After making landfall, the system began to weaken into a 'Severe Cyclonic Storm' and is expected to continue moving in a north-northwest direction, gradually losing intensity over the next 48 hours. Despite weakening, the storm continues to pose a significant threat due to heavy rainfall and strong winds across a wide area.
State-Wise Alerts and Rainfall Estimates
Andhra Pradesh is bearing the brunt of the storm's initial impact. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has been recorded in several districts, including Visakhapatnam (216.9 mm), Kalingapatnam (147.5 mm), and Kakinada (118.4 mm). A storm surge of 1 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide was predicted to inundate low-lying coastal areas. In response, authorities evacuated over 100,000 people and set up hundreds of rehabilitation centres in schools. In Odisha, southern districts are on high alert as the cyclone system moves inland. The government has evacuated more than 30,000 people, particularly from low-lying areas in districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, and Ganjam, which are expected to receive significant rainfall. West Bengal is also bracing for the cyclone's impact, with moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds expected in coastal and southern districts, including Kolkata, through October 31.
Understanding Rainfall Intensity
The IMD uses specific terms to classify rainfall, which helps residents understand the severity of the forecast. 'Heavy rain' typically refers to 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in a 24-hour period. 'Very heavy rain' indicates precipitation between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm. 'Extremely heavy rain' is a warning for rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm in 24 hours. Given that some areas have already recorded over 200 mm, many regions are experiencing 'extremely heavy' rainfall, leading to a high risk of urban and flash floods. These downpours can quickly submerge low-lying areas, disrupt traffic, and damage infrastructure.
Associated Risks and Disruptions
Beyond the rain, the primary dangers are destructive winds, coastal flooding from storm surges, and inland flooding. The powerful winds have already uprooted trees and electricity poles in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, leading to widespread power outages and blocked roads. Indian Railways has cancelled several train services as a precautionary measure, and flights at Kolkata's airport have also been disrupted. Authorities have issued warnings about potential damage to crops, especially paddy fields which have been submerged in some coastal areas. Residents in hilly regions of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh should also be alert to the risk of landslides triggered by saturated soil.
Official Safety Advisories
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and state agencies have issued clear guidelines for public safety. The foremost advice is to stay indoors and avoid all non_essential travel. Do not venture near the sea, as rough conditions are expected to persist. People in low_lying areas should move to designated cyclone shelters or higher ground. Ensure you have an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and a torch. Stay informed through official channels like the IMD website, television, and radio. Avoid taking shelter under trees or near damaged buildings and power lines. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Following these directives is crucial to ensuring personal safety and avoiding casualties.
