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Cyclone Arnab threat looms over AP
In Short
State braces for very severe cyclonic storm, likely to cross coast near Yanam today
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Cyclone Arnab threat looms over AP
Amaravati: With very severe Cyclone Arnab closing in on the Andhra Pradesh coast, authorities have warned of destructive winds, extremely heavy rainfall and possible sea inundation, urging people in vulnerable coastal settlements to move to safer locations without delay. Residents living in thatched houses and tin-roofed structures have been specifically advised to shift to the nearest relief centres as the storm approaches landfall.
The cyclone was moving at around 18 kmph on Tuesday and was centred 170 km from Visakhapatnam, 140 km from Kakinada, 230 km from Machilipatnam and 300 km from Bapatla. It is expected to cross the coast near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by Wednesday morning. Winds at landfall could reach 125–135 kmph, while gusts may rise to 140 kmph. Managing Mirector of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Prakhar Jain warned that East Godavari and West Godavari districts, along with Kakinada, Konaseema and Anakapalli, could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall until Wednesday morning.
Rainfall had already begun in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Manyam, Konaseema and Anakapalli. Heavy rain intensified from Tuesday evening across Polavaram, Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari and Eluru.
A red alert has been issued for Wednesday for Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Bapatla, Krishna and NTR districts, where extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm is possible. Orange alerts cover Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam and other coastal areas. The threat extends beyond rainfall. Surging seas could push water inland by as much as 300 metres at Polekurru in Kakinada district, 200 metres at Ponnada, 190 metres at Perupalem and 180 metres at G. Vemavaram. Fisherfolk and residents of low-lying coastal areas have been urged to remain alert and follow official instructions.
Transport has also been severely disrupted. A total of 53 train services had been cancelled as a precaution, while more than 44 flights were cancelled from Vijayawada, with further disruptions expected. Vijayawada airport has been particularly affected, with all flights scheduled for Wednesday cancelled and other services disrupted, diverted or called off. Air services severely hit in Visakhapatnam. Bus operators have been instructed to keep services at depots, with local authorities to decide when operations can safely resume.
Residents needing assistance can contact the Mana Mitra WhatsApp number 9552300009 or the Disaster Management Authority’s emergency helplines 1070, 112 and 18004250101. With landfall expected on Wednesday morning, authorities urged the public to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and treat evacuation instructions seriously.
