Cyclone Arnab Slams Andhra Pradesh: 89,000 Evacuated as Severe Storm Hits Coast
Cyclone Arnab makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh with winds up to 150 kmph. 89,000 evacuated as heavy rains lash multiple states.
The coast of Andhra Pradesh was battered on the morning of October 28, 2026, as Cyclone Arnab Andhra Pradesh made landfall, bringing destructive winds and torrential rains. The storm struck the coastline between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, specifically south of Yanam, beginning its landfall process around 6:30 a.m.
The Power of the Storm
According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the system escalated into a very severe cyclonic storm. The storm moved at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour, packing sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kilometers per hour, with violent gusts reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour.
The impact was felt acutely across several districts, including:
- Visakhapatnam: High tidal conditions at RK Beach forced authorities to shut down public access to ensure safety.
- Kakinada: Severe winds led to uprooted trees, which blocked major roads in the Coringa area.
- Konaseema and West Godavari: These regions experienced heavy rainfall and localized flooding.
Massive Rescue and Evacuation Drive
In a massive effort to prevent loss of life, authorities successfully evacuated approximately 89,000 people. To accommodate those displaced by the storm, over 4,000 shelters were established across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed that there have been no reported fatalities, attributing this success to proactive preparations. The Chief Minister has since directed officials to prioritize and expedite the restoration of power in the hardest-hit regions.
Digital Alerts and Communication
The scale of the warning system was unprecedented. Prakhar Jain, the Managing Director of APSDMA, confirmed that the agency disseminated critical cyclone warnings to 27 million mobile phones to ensure citizens were informed and ready.
Widespread Disruptions and Alerts
The storm's influence extended far beyond the immediate landfall point. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several areas:
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam
- Odisha and Chhattisgarh
- Parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh
Additionally, Jharkhand has been placed under a yellow alert for heavy rain across eight districts, including East Singhbhum and Ranchi, for a 24-hour period starting from 8:30 a.m. on October 28.
Transport and Regional Impact
The cyclone caused significant chaos for travelers. The Indian Railways cancelled numerous trains to avoid risks, while the Ministry of Civil Aviation initiated urgent safety reviews for air travel in the region.
The ripple effects of the storm were also felt in other coastal areas. High tidal activity was reported at Digha beach in West Bengal, the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, and along the coast of Tamil Nadu.