Cyclone Arnab Lashes Andhra Pradesh: Roads Submerged, Trees Uprooted as Final Landfall Nears
Severe cyclonic storm Arnab lashes Andhra Pradesh with 150kmph gusts. Flash flood alerts issued as roads submerge and trees uproot.
The coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh are currently battling the fury of Cyclone Arnab, a severe cyclonic storm that has brought chaotic weather, submerged roads, and dangerous sea conditions. The weather department has announced that the rear portion of the storm's wall cloud region is expected to enter the coast shortly to complete the landfall process, leaving several districts in a state of high alert.
Landfall and Wind Intensity
According to Dr. K Nagaratna, Director of the Amaravati Meteorological Department, the cyclone formed over the Bay of Bengal and made landfall during the previous night between Bapatla and Yanam, specifically in the vicinity of Kakinada-Yanam or Visakhapatnam.
The storm has brought terrifying wind speeds, with sustained winds of 125-135 kmph recorded along the coast. Experts warn that gusts could peak at 150 kmph. A concerning detail noted by officials is that the cyclone has slowed its movement, which may unfortunately prolong the destructive impact on the coastal populations.
Chaos in the Cities: Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada
The impact of Cyclone Arnab is already visible on the ground:
- Visakhapatnam: High tides and violent winds have battered RK Beach. In a precautionary move, police have banned public entry to the beach, and fishermen have been warned to stay ashore. The storm's power was evident when a tree was uprooted near the AU College of Engineering for Women.
- Vijayawada: The city and its surrounding areas have been lashed by heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. The downpour has led to severe waterlogging, with major roads and low-lying areas completely submerged.
Extreme Alerts and Flash Flood Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "extremely severe" alert for the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. The sea has turned turbulent, particularly near Yanam and Kakinada, where waves are rising 2.5 metres above normal levels. There is a significant risk of severe storm surges pushing seawater into low-lying residential areas.
A critical flash flood alert has been issued for a wide array of districts, including:
- Bapatla, Guntur, and Krishna
- NTR, Eluru, and West Godavari
- Konaseema, East Godavari, and Kakinada
- Alluri, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram Manyam
Government Response and Safety Measures
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that the state government is monitoring the crisis closely. To ensure public safety, the administration has activated a massive emergency network:
- Shelter and Rescue: 2,199 cyclone shelters have been identified, and 12 NDRF and 10 SDRF teams have been deployed across 14 districts.
- Medical Readiness: The state has mobilized 1,087 medical teams, 1,274 ambulances, and 8,281 emergency beds. As a priority, pregnant women have already been shifted to hospitals.
Urgent Advice for Residents
The meteorological department has issued a stern plea for citizens to stay indoors until the landfall process is complete and winds subside. Residents are specifically warned to avoid standing under electric poles, old buildings, or large trees to prevent casualties from collapses or electrocution.