World · India Bureau
Cyclone Arnab makes slow landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast
The very severe cyclonic storm Arnab is moving at a crawl as it makes landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department says the system remains practically stationary as it crosses the coastline.
LSN India ·
Cyclone Arnab continued its grinding landfall process across the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning, with the system progressing at an unusually slow pace. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported at 5:30 am that the very severe cyclonic storm had not yet fully crossed the coastline, remaining practically stationary over the landfall zone.
The cyclone made landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, positioned south of Yanam in Puducherry. The slow movement of the system means the affected coastal regions are experiencing prolonged and intense weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, as the storm core inches inland.
The IMD's characterization of Arnab as "practically stationary" indicates the cyclone is moving forward at minimal speed—a phenomenon that can intensify localized impacts even as the overall system gradually progresses. Authorities have maintained alerts across the vulnerable coastal districts as the landfall process continues to unfold.
The slow-moving nature of the cyclone presents both challenges and some advantages for disaster management operations, with extended warning periods allowing additional time for evacuation and response activities in affected areas.