Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall in Andhra Pradesh with Winds Up to 150 km/h
Cyclone Arnab has officially made landfall near Yanam, bringing severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall to eastern India.
Cyclone Arnab reached wind speeds of 125 to 135 km/h, with gusts up to 150 km/h.
The India Meteorological Department warns of a storm surge of 1 to 1.5 meters affecting low-lying areas.
Evacuations and emergency measures are in place as authorities prepare for the cyclone's impact.
Cyclone Arnab has made landfall early Wednesday along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is currently exhibiting core wind speeds between 125 to 135 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour. The storm has been moving northwest at a slow pace of 3 kilometers per hour over the last three hours, and it is expected to continue this trajectory before shifting north-northwestward.
The IMD has reported significant rainfall in the region, with Visakhapatnam recording 216.9 mm of rain between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. Other areas such as Kalingapatnam and Tuni also experienced heavy downpours, with rainfall amounts of 147.5 mm and 123.3 mm, respectively. The IMD has issued warnings regarding the potential for a storm surge of 1 to 1.5 meters, which could inundate low-lying coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh.
In preparation for the cyclone, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasized the importance of public safety, stating that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Evacuation plans have been established, prioritizing vulnerable populations, including the elderly and pregnant women. The state has identified over 2,199 cyclone shelters and mobilized emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
The impact of Cyclone Arnab is not limited to Andhra Pradesh; neighboring states like Odisha and West Bengal are also experiencing adverse weather conditions. Schools in 16 districts of Odisha have been closed as a precautionary measure, and heavy rains have been reported in parts of West Bengal. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended flights to and from affected airports to ensure passenger safety.
Looking ahead, the IMD has indicated that the landfall process will continue for several more hours. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. Continuous updates will be provided as the situation develops, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the cyclone passes.
