Cyclone Arnab: Andhra deploys 21 rescue teams, Odisha shuts schools as storm heads for October 28 landfall

Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up preparations as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal, named Cyclone Arnab, gathers strength on its way towards the east coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects it to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the morning or afternoon of Wednesday, October 28.

According to reports citing the IMD, the system intensified into a deep depression on Sunday and is forecast to become a cyclonic storm on Monday, a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday and a very severe cyclonic storm by the time it nears land. Sustained winds of 115 to 125 km/h, gusting to about 140 km/h, are expected at landfall. On Sunday it lay roughly 850 to 870 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam.

Andhra Pradesh on high alert

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu chaired a review meeting on Sunday evening and directed officials to remain on round-the-clock alert, move vulnerable people to relief centres, ensure supplies of food, drinking water and medicines, and prepare for quick restoration of power. Ten National Disaster Response Force teams and eleven State Disaster Response Force teams have been stationed across the state.

Fishermen have been told not to venture out to sea and boats already out have been asked to return. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rain over coastal Andhra Pradesh from October 27 to 29, with red alerts issued for several coastal districts including Kakinada, Konaseema, East and West Godavari and Visakhapatnam. Officials said the Konaseema-Yanam-Kakinada belt could bear the brunt.

Odisha prepares for heavy rain

Although landfall is expected in Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha is likely to see strong winds and very heavy rain. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said gusts of 70 to 90 km/h are possible in southern and coastal districts. All schools, colleges and anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will remain shut on October 28 and 29.

Odisha has deployed about 60 ODRAF teams and 17 NDRF teams, kept fire service units on alert and cancelled leave for district collectors and other key officials. The state has said its aim is zero casualties.

What residents should do

Authorities have urged people in coastal areas to follow official IMD bulletins and district administration instructions, avoid travel near the coast during the storm, and move to cyclone shelters when asked. Rain and squally winds may also extend to parts of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand later in the week.