Cyclone Arnab Nears Andhra Coast: Landfall Expected Oct 28 With 150 Kmph Gusts
Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall near Yanam on October 28 with winds up to 150 kmph. Flights cancelled and heavy rain alerts issued.
The west-central Bay of Bengal is churning as Cyclone Arnab landfall becomes imminent. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the cyclonic storm is moving west-northwestwards, bringing heavy rainfall and significant disruption to various parts of Andhra Pradesh as it closes in on the coast.
The Path of the Storm
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the cyclone was moving at a speed of approximately 20 kmph. As of Tuesday morning, the storm's center was located near latitude 16.2°N and longitude 83.7°E. To put its proximity into perspective, the system was positioned:
- About 170 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam
- 180 km east-southeast of Kakinada
- 270 km east of Machilipatnam
- 350 km east of Bapatla
- 370 km south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha
The IMD predicts the storm will maintain its west-northwestward trajectory until Tuesday evening before shifting northwestwards. It is expected to cross the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by the forenoon of October 28.
Extreme Winds and Rainfall Warnings
Cyclone Arnab is forecast to strike the coast as a very severe cyclonic storm. The weather department has warned of maximum sustained wind speeds ranging between 125-135 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching a dangerous 150 kmph.
The rainfall alerts are equally severe. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Odisha on October 27 and 28. Additionally, Chhattisgarh is also likely to experience isolated extremely heavy rainfall on October 28.
Flight Chaos at Gannavaram Airport
The approach of the cyclone has already begun to paralyze air travel. At Gannavaram Airport in the Krishna district, several flights have been cancelled to ensure passenger safety. Airport authorities have urged travelers to verify their flight status with airlines before heading to the terminal.
Among the cancelled services are several IndiGo flights:
- Kadapa route (6E 7711/7712)
- Hyderabad route (6E 2780/2581)
- Chennai route (6E 7305/7302)
- Bengaluru route (6E 7247/7246)
Ground Zero: Kakinada and Yanam on High Alert
In Kakinada district, the storm's presence is already being felt through strong winds and rain. District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad has issued a stern advisory, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel.
Meanwhile, in Yanam (part of the Union Territory of Puducherry), the administration has gone into overdrive. To prevent urban flooding and waterlogging, approximately 100 personnel have been deployed with JCB machines and tractors to clear drainage blockages.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Puducherry Minister Malladi Krishna Rao and Yanam Regional Administrator Shivraj Meena visited high-risk areas, including Savithri Nagar and Giriyampeta, where many fishermen reside. Officials have warned residents that winds could hit between 110 to 140 kmph during landfall.
The administration has specifically urged those living in dilapidated houses or thatched huts to move immediately to government-established rehabilitation centers. Residents in low-lying areas have been cautioned to relocate to safer ground to avoid the risks associated with the impending storm.