Severe Cyclone Arnab set to batter Andhra Pradesh coast

Cyclone Arnab is tracking towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall anticipated near Yanam and Kakinada, triggering emergency preparedness measures across the state. The India Meteorological Department has classified the system as very severe, warranting the highest alert level for vulnerable districts.

Seven districts—Kakinada, East Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, West Godavari, Alluri Sitharama Raju, and Anakapalli—face red alert status, indicating the highest risk. These areas are expected to experience isolated extremely heavy rainfall on October 27, with wind speeds and storm surge posing additional hazards to residents and infrastructure.

An additional nine districts have been placed on high alert, including Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram Manyam. These regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall as the cyclone moves inland.

State and central authorities have activated disaster management protocols, including evacuation plans, coastal warnings, and pre-positioned relief supplies. Fishermen have been advised to remain ashore, while essential services have been mobilized to respond to potential emergencies across the affected regions.