Cyclone Arnab reaches Andhra Pradesh coast with winds up to 150 kmph

Very severe Cyclone Arnab began its landfall process along the Andhra Pradesh coast early Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department reporting sustained winds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph. The storm crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to south of Yanam, according to The Hindu and India Today. The landfall began at about 1.20am on October 28 and was expected to continue for another two to three hours.

The IMD said Arnab’s centre remained close to the coastline as its northern spiral band moved inland. Before landfall, India Today placed the system about 50km east-southeast of Narsapur, 70km south of Kakinada and 100km east of Machilipatnam. The storm brought heavy rain and powerful winds to coastal areas.

The Hindu reported that one person died in Mangalapalem in Visakhapatnam after allegedly coming into contact with a fallen live wire. The same report said 206 trees had been uprooted across Visakhapatnam, with municipal teams clearing roads and debris. Damage and flooding were also reported in Yanam, a Puducherry enclave near the expected crossing point.

India Today said seawater inundated Savitri Nagar, while trees were uprooted near the Yanam entrance on National Highway 216. Strong winds also uprooted coconut trees in parts of the Konaseema district. Authorities opened relief facilities, although officials said many residents were reluctant to leave their homes.

The Hindu reported that about 2,000 people in Yanam had moved to relief camps, while 20 camps had been prepared for nearly 5,000 people. Around 100 National Disaster Response Force personnel were stationed in the area, and police were helping persuade residents to evacuate. The storm’s effects extended beyond Andhra Pradesh.

India Today reported rough seas, heavy rain and gusty winds in Digha in West Bengal, while Odisha remained on alert. The Hindu said flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha were expected to face disruption after a Civil Aviation Ministry review. Rail services were also affected.

India Today reported that the Railways cancelled 26 trains and altered other services between October 27 and November 5, affecting routes across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Maharashtra. Forecast timings differed slightly as the cyclone approached. Earlier projections cited by the reports placed the crossing between 2am and 4am, while the IMD later said the process had already started around 1.20am.

Officials warned that rain and strong winds could continue after the landfall process was complete, and Andhra Pradesh authorities urged residents to remain indoors until conditions improved.