As 'Very Severe Cyclonic Storm' Arnab made landfall on India's eastern coast early on October 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings for several eastern and southern states. Here is what you need to know.
Arnab Makes Landfall in Andhra Pradesh
The landfall
process of Cyclone Arnab began in the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The storm crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a 'very severe cyclonic storm', bringing maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph. The IMD confirmed that the storm's centre moved over land near Yanam. While the system is expected to weaken as it moves further inland, heavy rainfall is predicted to continue affecting a wide region.
Andhra Pradesh: On Highest Alert
Andhra Pradesh is bearing the brunt of the cyclone's impact. Widespread rain, from heavy to extremely heavy, is expected across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 28. Districts placed on high alert include Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Konaseema, East and West Godavari, Eluru, and Krishna. Authorities have evacuated tens of thousands of people from low-lying coastal areas to safety. The state government has advised residents to stay indoors, avoid unsafe structures, and follow all official instructions. Storm surges of up to 1.5 meters were also forecast, threatening to inundate coastal areas.
Odisha: Extremely Heavy Rain Forecast
Adjoining Odisha is also on high alert, with the IMD issuing a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall in its southern districts on October 28. The districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to be the most affected. The Odisha government has prepared its disaster response machinery, with emergency teams positioned for rapid deployment. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea, and authorities are on standby for potential flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Rainfall Alerts for West Bengal and Telangana
The impact of Cyclone Arnab extends beyond the immediate landfall zone. Gangetic West Bengal is expected to receive heavy rain on October 28 and 29, accompanied by thunderstorms and squalls. Districts like Purba and Paschim Medinipur are likely to experience strong surface winds. In the south, Telangana is under a heavy to very heavy rainfall warning for October 28. Authorities in both states are monitoring the situation closely and have advised residents to take necessary precautions.
Understanding the IMD's Color_Coded Warnings
The IMD uses a color_coded system to communicate the severity of weather events. A 'Yellow' alert means 'Be Aware', asking people to stay updated. An 'Orange' alert means 'Be Prepared' for potentially disruptive weather. The most severe is the 'Red' alert, which means 'Take Action'. A red alert is issued when extremely severe conditions are expected, posing a significant threat to life and property and requiring immediate action to stay safe.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
Officials have urged the public in all affected states to follow safety advisories strictly. Residents should stay indoors and avoid damaged buildings. It is crucial to monitor official updates from the IMD and local disaster management authorities rather than relying on unofficial information. All fishing operations have been suspended in the affected areas of the Bay of Bengal. Emergency contact numbers for disaster response have been activated, and people in vulnerable areas should be prepared for potential evacuations if instructed by authorities.
