Cyclone Arnab threatens Andhra Pradesh coast with landfall expected October 28

Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab is approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall projected for the morning of October 28 near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that the storm could produce wind speeds of 115 to 125 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 140 km/h.

Significant disruptions to transportation have been reported. South Coast Railway has cancelled over 60 trains across various routes, including services connecting Visakhapatnam, Kirandul, Koraput, and Vijayawada. Air India has also issued a travel advisory, warning that the cyclone may impact flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

In response to the threat, the Andhra Pradesh government has allocated ₹27 crore across 20 districts to fund relief and emergency operations. High alerts have been issued for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry. Emergency response teams, including the NDRF, have been deployed to coastal areas to manage evacuations and prepare for heavy rainfall and strong winds.