Cyclone Arnab Approaches: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Brace for Impact

Preparations Intensify Ahead of Cyclone Arnab

Bhubaneswar/Amaravati: In anticipation of the impending 'very severe' cyclonic storm Arnab, both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have established nearly 4,000 cyclone shelters and relocated thousands of residents to safer areas. Disaster management teams are on high alert as the storm is projected to make landfall near Visakhapatnam within the next 24 hours, according to officials on Tuesday.

As a precautionary measure, the Indian Railways has canceled around 50 trains in the affected regions, and traffic restrictions have been implemented on several coastal routes. Additionally, two IndiGo flights connecting Vijayawada with Chennai and Bengaluru were also canceled.

The latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the storm is currently situated approximately 140 km southeast of Kakinada and 170 km south of Visakhapatnam, moving at a speed of 18 km/h. It is expected to reach the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by Wednesday morning.

The Andhra Pradesh government has set up 2,131 cyclone shelters across 20 districts, prepared 1,087 medical teams for potential storm impacts, and arranged 8,281 emergency beds along with 1,274 ambulances, officials reported.

In addition to evacuating vulnerable populations, authorities have also transferred 1,351 pregnant women to hospitals.

To ensure adequate supplies, two months' worth of essential goods have been pre-stocked at 14,686 ration shops, and cyclone alerts are being sent to the mobile phones of approximately 2.70 crore residents.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has noted that the cyclone's effects are already being felt, with heavy rainfall anticipated in the northern coastal districts soon. Srikakulam is expected to experience significant rain and strong winds, while Visakhapatnam and Kakinada have already begun to feel the impact of the winds.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to ensure that relief camps are stocked with essential supplies and to minimize damage caused by the cyclone.

The Indian Railways is closely monitoring around 600 km of tracks in preparation for the cyclone's landfall, implementing safety protocols and rapid restoration measures.

War rooms have been activated at various levels within the Railway Board for continuous monitoring.

The South Coast Railway has canceled 24 trains scheduled for Wednesday, while the East Coast Railway has canceled 22 trains, and the South Eastern Railway has canceled four trains.

In Odisha, where heavy rains have already commenced, efforts are underway to relocate 48,000 individuals to safer areas.

The state's Special Relief Commissioner, Rajesh P Patil, stated that approximately 11,000 people each will be moved from Gajapati and Nabarangpur districts.

Evacuations are also taking place in Malkangiri, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nuapada.

Schools in eight districts have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Patil mentioned that 135 permanent cyclone shelters and around 1,600 temporary shelters have been prepared for those displaced from vulnerable areas.

The state government has deployed 294 rescue teams, including nine from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 60 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and 225 Fire Services teams.

Patil emphasized the government's goal of achieving 'zero casualties' and directed district collectors to take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property.

Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari warned that heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of rivers in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand could lead to flash floods and waterlogging in western and northern Odisha.

Major ports in Odisha, including Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, have heightened their preparedness in light of the approaching storm.

The severe cyclonic storm has also begun to affect parts of West Bengal, bringing rain to the region.

Coastal districts such as South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur have experienced moderate rainfall, while areas like Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, and Kolkata have also seen precipitation, according to the IMD.

Over the next two days, heavy rain is expected in South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and Paschim Bardhaman, while Kolkata may receive light to moderate rain.

In the sub-Himalayan region, heavy rainfall is anticipated in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri on October 29 and 30.

In Jharkhand, the Ranchi district administration has ordered schools to close on October 28 and 29 due to a rain alert.

A 'yellow' alert for heavy rain has been issued for Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East and West Singhbhum for 24 hours starting from 8:30 am on October 28, with warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand indicated that eight to nine districts are likely to be impacted by the cyclone.