Very severe cyclonic storm Cyclone Arnab is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 28 October, the weather department said. The forecast placed the crossing close to Yanam, and it warned coastal areas to prepare for strong winds and heavy rain through the morning. Cyclone Arnab had drawn close to the coast after moving over the Bay of Bengal, and officials in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha had already put precautionary steps in place before Cyclone Arnab arrived.
Coastal districts from Krishna to Anakapalli were expected to face winds of 115 to 125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph, from early on Wednesday morning until midday. The weather department said wind speeds would fall later in the day as Cyclone Arnab moved inland and weakened. Heavy rain was also expected across coastal Andhra Pradesh, with rain reaching parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on the same day. The combination of wind and rain raised the risk of damage to trees, power lines, thatched houses and standing crops in low lying areas near the coast.
Red alerts were issued for seven districts of Andhra Pradesh. A red alert is the highest level of weather warning, and it calls for action to protect life and property. District administrations in the affected areas were asked to keep relief camps, food supplies and medical teams ready, and to move people from vulnerable coastal settlements where needed. Local officials were also asked to watch rivers, drains and low lying roads for waterlogging as rain increased.
Cyclone Arnab brings school closures in Odisha
Schools in six southern districts of Odisha were closed as a precaution. The closures were meant to keep children away from travel during strong winds and heavy rain, and to keep school buildings free for use as shelters if needed. Odisha shares a coastline with Andhra Pradesh, and southern districts of the state were in the path of rain bands linked to Cyclone Arnab even though the centre of the storm was forecast to cross further south. Parents and teachers were asked to follow district orders and avoid sending children out during the warning period.
More than 30,000 fishing boats returned to harbour before Cyclone Arnab reached the coast. The return of boats is a standard step before a cyclone, because boats at sea face high waves and strong winds that can push them off course or damage them. Harbours in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring coastal areas filled up as fishermen brought their boats in and secured them. Fishing activity was suspended in the affected stretch of coast until conditions improved, and fishermen were asked to wait for clearance from local authorities before going back to sea.
Cyclone Arnab relief teams and funds in place
A total of 15 National Disaster Response Force teams were deployed in coastal districts. The teams were placed in areas expected to face the strongest winds and heaviest rain, so they could respond quickly to fallen trees, blocked roads and waterlogging. National Disaster Response Force teams carry boats, cutting tools and rescue equipment, and they work with district police, fire services and local officials during rescue and relief work. Their deployment before the storm arrived meant help was already close to the places most likely to need it.
The Andhra Pradesh government released Rs 27 crore for relief work. The funds were meant to support district administrations as they set up relief camps, arranged food and drinking water, and restored basic services after the storm passed. Relief work after a cyclone often covers the repair of power lines and roads, the clearance of fallen trees, and support for families whose houses or crops were damaged. District officials were asked to keep records of damage so that further help could be assessed once the storm had moved away from the coast.
What Cyclone Arnab means for coastal districts
For families in coastal areas, the immediate task was to stay indoors during the strongest winds, keep away from windows and weak structures, and avoid flooded roads. For fishermen, the task was to wait until authorities gave clearance to return to sea. For district administrations, the task was to keep relief camps running, restore drinking water and power, and reach villages cut off by water or fallen trees. The red alerts in seven districts, the school closures in Odisha, the deployment of 15 National Disaster Response Force teams, the return of more than 30,000 fishing boats and the release of Rs 27 crore together formed the response put in place before Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast on 28 October.