Cyclone Arnab: Andhra Pradesh on alert as storm nears coast, 53 trains and over 44 flights cancelled

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of very severe Cyclone Arnab, with authorities warning of powerful winds, intense rainfall and seawater entering coastal settlements as the storm approaches landfall. Residents of vulnerable areas, particularly those living in thatched houses and tin-roofed structures, have been asked to evacuate to nearby relief centres.

Moving at around 18 kmph on Tuesday, the cyclone was located 170 km from Visakhapatnam, 140 km from Kakinada, 230 km from Machilipatnam and 300 km from Bapatla. It is forecast to cross the coast near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by Wednesday morning.

Wind speeds during landfall are expected to reach 125–135 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 140 kmph.

Prakhar Jain, managing director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), said East Godavari and West Godavari, along with Kakinada, Konaseema and Anakapalli, could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall Wednesday morning. 

Nine districts under red alert as rainfall intensifies

Several parts of the state, including Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Manyam, Konaseema and Anakapalli, had already started receiving rain by Tuesday. The intensity increased from Tuesday evening in Polavaram, Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari and Eluru.

A red alert is in place for Wednesday in nine districts: Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Bapatla, Krishna and NTR. These areas could receive extremely heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm.

An orange alert has been issued for Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam and other coastal areas.

Seawater may reach up to 300 metres inland

The cyclone also poses a risk to low-lying coastal settlements, where rising seawater could inundate areas far beyond the shoreline.

Polekurru in Kakinada district could see seawater advance up to 300 metres inland. The corresponding projections are 200 metres at Ponnada, 190 metres at Perupalem and 180 metres at G. Vemavaram.

Fisherfolk and people living in low-lying coastal areas have been advised to stay vigilant, follow official directions and move to safer places if instructed.

Rail and air connectivity hit ahead of landfall

Precautionary measures have disrupted transport services across Andhra Pradesh. Authorities had cancelled 53 train services, while more than 44 flights from Vijayawada had been cancelled as the cyclone approached.

Vijayawada airport has seen significant disruption, with all flights scheduled for Wednesday cancelled. Other services have been cancelled, diverted or otherwise disrupted. Air services in Visakhapatnam have also been severely affected.

Bus operators have been directed to keep their vehicles at depots until further notice. Local authorities will determine when services can resume, depending on safety conditions.

Helplines for emergency assistance

Residents seeking help can contact the Mana Mitra WhatsApp service at 9552300009. The Disaster Management Authority's emergency helplines are 1070, 112 and 18004250101.

With the cyclone expected to make landfall on Wednesday morning, authorities have asked people to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been urged not to delay evacuation and to take warnings from officials seriously. (with inputs from media agency)