Andhra Pradesh on High Alert as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ Approaches Coast

Authorities have forecast that the storm could cross the coast near Yanam on October 28, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for Andhra Pradesh.

Officials have urged residents to remain indoors as wind speeds increase and move to the nearest cyclone shelter if instructed by authorities. People have also been warned against venturing into the sea or approaching rivers, water tanks and vulnerable structures.

Cyclone Located 215 Km from Visakhapatnam

According to an official update issued at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the very severe cyclonic storm was located around 215 km southeast of Visakhapatnam and moving west-northwest at approximately 22 kmph. Winds near the storm’s centre were reported to be reaching 157 kmph.

The system is expected to make landfall near Yanam with sustained wind speeds of 130–160 kmph.

Coastal wind speeds were recorded at 40–50 kmph on Tuesday morning. Authorities expected them to rise to 70–80 kmph during the afternoon and 100–110 kmph from Tuesday night, with the strongest winds anticipated around landfall.

Sea conditions are forecast to deteriorate significantly, with very rough to phenomenal conditions and a storm surge of 1–2 metres expected during landfall, particularly around Kakinada and Yanam.

Fishermen have been directed to stay ashore until October 29. Officials said all 30,043 fishing boats had returned to shore, while ports had hoisted cautionary signals.

2,131 Cyclone Shelters Made Available

The state administration has arranged 2,131 cyclone shelters across 20 districts and issued mobile alerts to approximately 2.07 crore subscribers in 18 districts. Swell-surge warnings have also been sent to around 6.9 lakh coastal subscribers.

Twelve teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 10 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed across 14 districts, with one additional team from each force kept in reserve.

A total of 1,354 police personnel, 128 fire teams and 92 fire tenders have also been mobilised for emergency response operations.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Home Minister V. Anitha, the Real Time Governance Society and the State Disaster Management Authority are continuously monitoring the situation.

Heavy Rain Forecast Across North and Central Andhra

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated locations in north and central Andhra Pradesh through October 28.

The highest five-day district-average rainfall figures cited in the official update were recorded for Srikakulam at 257 mm, Krishna at 255 mm, Parvathipuram Manyam at 227 mm, Visakhapatnam at 214 mm, Eluru at 203 mm and Vizianagaram at 202 mm.

Authorities are closely monitoring rivers in the Nagavali and Vamsadhara basins amid concerns over rising water levels and possible flooding.

District administrations have been instructed to alert residents of vulnerable coastal villages in advance and coordinate preparations across government departments.

Hospitals, Medical Teams and Emergency Supplies on Standby

According to the official preparedness update, 1,087 medical teams, 8,281 emergency beds and 1,274 ambulances have been kept ready. Authorities have also arranged 21,536 anti-snake venom vials for use during emergencies.

A total of 1,351 pregnant women whose delivery dates fall on or before October 30 have already been admitted to hospitals as a precautionary measure.

More than 8,400 workers have been placed on standby for power restoration, supported by equipment and essential supplies. Officials said 2,613 water tankers, 2,430 generators and 4,448 reverse osmosis (RO) plants were ready for deployment.

The administration has also ensured that 14,686 ration shops hold two months’ worth of stock. Fuel and LPG supplies have been arranged to support generators, communication towers and ambulances.

Farmers, Livestock and Infrastructure Under Watch

Cyclone advisories have been issued to 35.96 lakh farmers, while 291 shelters for livestock have been prepared.

Officials are also monitoring welfare hostels, including 419 tribal hostels housing 88,083 students, to ensure that vulnerable residents are protected.

For post-cyclone restoration, the Roads and Buildings Department has positioned 550 JCB machines and 596 power saws. Authorities are also monitoring 1,079 minor irrigation tanks as part of preparations for possible heavy rainfall and flooding.

Home Minister Reviews District Preparedness

Home Minister V. Anitha held a teleconference with district collectors in areas expected to be affected by the cyclone, reviewing the prevailing conditions and issuing instructions for emergency preparedness.

She said the government was fully prepared to respond to the storm and directed officials to ensure that residents of coastal villages received advance warnings.

Anitha also stressed the need for coordination among all departments to facilitate evacuation, emergency response and relief operations.

Authorities have urged residents to follow advisories issued by the IMD and the State Disaster Management Authority, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and comply with evacuation instructions where issued.