Cyclone Arnab makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh with 150 km/h winds

Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab has hit the coast of India’s Andhra Pradesh. The storm began making landfall at 1:20 am local time on Wednesday (28 October). Winds are blowing at 125 to 135 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. Under its influence, heavy rain and gusty winds are lashing various parts of Andhra Pradesh, Yanam in Puducherry and southern Odisha.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is crossing the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, close to the south of Yanam. The agency said the landfall process could take about four hours to complete.

Trees have been uprooted in several parts of Andhra Pradesh. Fallen trees on the national highway near Yanam have also disrupted traffic. Rescue teams are working to clear the roads. Flight operations have been suspended at three airports in Andhra Pradesh, and several flights and trains have been cancelled.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said necessary measures have been taken to avoid casualties and damage. Residents of vulnerable coastal areas have been moved to safer places, and more than 2,000 shelters have been kept ready for them. Pregnant women have also been shifted to medical centres.

Meanwhile, rain and gusty winds continue in India’s West Bengal as well due to the cyclone. The meteorological department has forecast rain in various districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata. On Wednesday, heavy rain is feared in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram, where gusts of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are possible.

Rain is expected in parts of South Bengal on Thursday as well. On the same day and on Friday, heavy rain may hit Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in North Bengal. A warning has been issued over the risk of landslides from excessive rain in the hilly areas.

With the sea rough due to the cyclone, fishermen along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts have been advised not to venture out. Those concerned have been told to follow precautions until the weather improves.