Cyclone Arnab Weakens: Storm Moves North-Northwest as Andhra Pradesh Braces for Impact
Cyclone Arnab weakens as it moves north-northwest over Andhra Pradesh. Over 55,000 evacuated and 3 casualties reported.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Cyclone Arnab, which previously held the intensity of a severe cyclonic storm, is losing strength. As of Wednesday evening, the system was centered over coastal Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. According to the weather department, the storm is expected to weaken further into a deep depression by midnight on Wednesday, followed by a gradual decline in intensity.
Current Path and Position
Over the last six hours, Cyclone Arnab moved in a north-northwest direction at a steady speed of 8 kmph. By 17:30 IST on October 28, the storm was positioned near latitude 17.0°N and longitude 81.7°E. To provide a clearer picture of its location, the IMD noted the storm was approximately:
- 60 km north of Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh
- 60 km west-northwest of Yanam, Puducherry UT
- 60 km west of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
- 100 km west-southwest of Tuni, Andhra Pradesh
- 110 km north-northeast of Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- 110 km east-northeast of Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh
The IMD has confirmed that the system will continue its north-northwest trajectory over the next 24 hours and remains under constant surveillance via the Doppler Weather Radar at Machilipatnam.
Human Impact and Rescue Operations
The storm has already left a trail of disruption and tragedy. NDRF DIG (Operations) SS Soodan reported that three casualties have been confirmed so far. In a massive effort to prevent further loss of life, more than 55,000 people were evacuated from coastal regions and low-lying areas in Andhra Pradesh.
The response has been extensive, with 39 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed to the region. This includes four teams that were airlifted on Tuesday to accelerate rescue and relief efforts. According to Soodan, the landfall occurred along the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, specifically south of Yanam.
Government Response and Relief
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has taken an active role in managing the crisis. Speaking at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre, the Chief Minister detailed the government's response and the planned relief measures for affected communities.
Chief Minister Naidu has already written to the Central Government requesting assistance for the damage caused by the storm and has briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the situation. He is scheduled to visit the cyclone-hit regions, specifically the West Godavari and Konaseema districts, on Thursday afternoon to personally assess the extent of the damage.
Transport Disruptions
The impact of Cyclone Arnab has extended to the railway network, leading to significant travel disruptions. At least 22 express and passenger train services have been suspended or cancelled between October 27 and November 5.
Among the most affected services are the Rourkela-Jagdalpur and Visakhapatnam-Kirandul trains, with most cancellations scheduled between October 29 and November 4. Other major services, including the Howrah-Jagdalpur Samaleswari Express, have also been impacted by the weather emergency.