Cyclone Arnab Alert: Cabinet Secretary Reviews High-Level Preparedness
Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan chairs NCMC meeting as Cyclone Arnab threatens Andhra Pradesh coast with 140 kmph winds.
Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan on Monday convened a high-level meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to evaluate the readiness of central and state agencies as the Bay of Bengal braces for the impact of Cyclone Arnab preparedness. With the storm intensifying and moving toward the coast, the government is focusing on a mission of zero casualties.
The Path of Cyclone Arnab
According to the Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), what began as a deep depression over the East central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal has now intensified into a cyclonic storm named ‘Arnab’. As of 0530 hrs IST on Monday, the storm was positioned over the East central and adjoining West central Bay of Bengal.
The IMD provided specific coordinates for the storm's location relative to key landmarks:
- 590 km Northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands)
- 650 km East-Southeast of Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- 730 km East-Southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh)
- 830 km East of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- 910 km East of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh)
The storm is forecast to move west-northwestwards until Tuesday, October 27, before shifting northwestwards toward the Andhra Pradesh coast. It is expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph.
Widespread Impact Expected
While Andhra Pradesh and Yanam (Puducherry) are in the direct line of the landfall, the aftermath of the storm is expected to reach far inland. The IMD warned that the system is likely to affect districts in Telangana, Southern Odisha, and South and Central Chhattisgarh. Furthermore, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are expected to experience high rainfall, prompting the Cabinet Secretary to direct the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and IMD to ensure these states are suitably alerted.
State and Central Mobilization
Chief Secretaries and senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and the Union Territory of Puducherry briefed the committee on their ground-level preparations. Key measures already in place include:
- Evacuation: Adequate shelters have been arranged, and evacuation plans are active.
- Monitoring: District Control Rooms have been activated for real-time monitoring.
- Maritime Safety: Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the Southwest and central Bay of Bengal, as well as the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Yanam from October 26 to 29. Those already at sea have been instructed to return.
Defense and Emergency Response
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already deployed teams, with additional units kept on standby. In a coordinated effort, the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard have placed their rescue and relief teams, ships, and aircraft on high alert. The Indian Coast Guard has already assisted multiple boats and ships in returning to the shore.
Government’s Directive: Zero Loss of Life
During the review, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan emphasized that the primary objective of all agencies must be to ensure zero loss of life and to minimize damage to infrastructure and property. He further stressed that in the event of any disruption, essential services must be restored in the shortest possible timeframe.
The Union Home Secretary confirmed that the MHA, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and IMD are maintaining continuous coordination with all relevant ministries and state governments to manage the crisis.
The meeting saw participation from the Union Home Secretary, various state Chief Secretaries, and Secretaries from the Ministry of Power, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, alongside the head of the NDMA and the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.