Cyclone Arnab makes landfall on Andhra-Odisha coast; 1,500 evacuated

Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border on Tuesday, triggering large-scale evacuation operations across coastal districts. The Odisha government has prioritized disaster response efforts, with the Gajapati district administration at the forefront of relief activities.

More than 1,500 people have been evacuated from low-lying and flood-prone areas in Gajapati district, according to official reports. The evacuation was carried out in anticipation of potential flooding and other hazards posed by the cyclonic system. State authorities have established shelters and arranged basic amenities for the displaced residents.

Odisha's district administration has been directed to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent casualties and ensure no persons remain stranded in floodwaters. Emergency response teams have been deployed across vulnerable areas, with rescue personnel on standby to respond to distress calls. The state is monitoring water levels in rivers and streams that could overflow due to heavy rainfall accompanying the cyclone.

Meteorological agencies have advised coastal residents to remain indoors and avoid venturing into flooded areas. The system is expected to weaken gradually as it moves inland, though heavy rainfall is anticipated to persist across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the coming hours.