Cyclone Arnab Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha on High Alert Ahead of October 28 Landfall



New Delhi, October 27, 2026: Cyclone Arnab has intensified over the Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and neighbouring regions to strengthen disaster preparedness ahead of its expected landfall on October 28. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the storm could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and potentially dangerous coastal conditions.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds could reach 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour. Authorities are prioritising evacuations, emergency response arrangements and measures to protect vulnerable coastal communities.



Cyclone Arnab Strengthens as It Moves Towards the Andhra Pradesh Coast

The weather system developed from a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal before intensifying into Cyclone Arnab. It has continued moving towards India's eastern coastline, raising concerns about heavy rainfall, damaging winds and disruptions in coastal districts.

Meteorological forecasts indicate that the cyclone could strengthen further as it approaches the coast. The projected landfall zone lies between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, making northern coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas of southern Odisha particularly important for preparedness measures.

Although the forecast provides an expected landfall window and location, the storm's exact track and intensity may change. Residents are advised to follow updated IMD bulletins and instructions issued by local authorities.



Andhra Pradesh Steps Up Evacuations and Emergency Preparedness

Andhra Pradesh has intensified preparations as the cyclone approaches. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the state's readiness and directed officials to take precautionary measures to minimise casualties and damage to property.

Authorities have been instructed to identify vulnerable areas, alert residents and arrange transfers to safer locations where necessary. According to *The Indian Express*, officials have ordered evacuations from low-lying areas across 14 districts and relocated 4,711 pregnant women from vulnerable locations to healthcare facilities.

The state has also deployed seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, with additional personnel kept on standby. Educational institutions in affected districts have been ordered to close as a precaution.

Officials are monitoring the situation and preparing for possible disruptions to transport, electricity, communications and other essential services during the cyclone.



Odisha Closes Schools and Mobilises Disaster Response Teams

Odisha is also strengthening its response, particularly in southern districts expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The state government has identified vulnerable districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur, for heightened monitoring and preparedness. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned ministers to oversee preparations and coordinate with local administrations.

Educational institutions in vulnerable districts have been ordered to close as a precaution. Authorities have also prohibited fishing at sea and restricted access to certain tourist locations, including hills, waterfalls and dams, in affected areas.

The state is preparing shelters and coordinating emergency personnel to support residents if evacuations become necessary. Officials are particularly concerned about the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, which could cause flooding, waterlogging and disruptions in low-lying areas.







Heavy Rainfall and Weather Alerts Across Southern India

The effects of Cyclone Arnab are expected to extend beyond its immediate landfall zone. Heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, while other states could experience rain and thunderstorms as the weather system influences regional conditions.

In Tamil Nadu, weather warnings have also been issued for heavy rainfall in several districts. The state has been experiencing rain associated with broader weather systems, making local forecasts and district-level advisories important for residents.

The IMD has also warned that rainfall associated with the cyclone could affect parts of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh after the storm moves inland. The intensity and distribution of rainfall will depend on the cyclone's eventual path and development.

Residents in affected regions should not assume that areas far from the coast are entirely outside the risk zone, as heavy rain and localised flooding can occur well inland.



Centre Reviews Cyclone Preparedness

The Central Government has reviewed preparations through the National Crisis Management Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan.

During the meeting, the IMD briefed officials on the cyclone's projected movement and likely intensity. Representatives from affected states and the Union Territory of Puducherry also outlined their preparedness measures.

The committee stressed the need to minimise casualties and damage to infrastructure. Emergency arrangements include evacuation planning, the availability of shelters, deployment of disaster-response teams and activation of district control rooms.

Authorities have also been instructed to prepare for the rapid restoration of essential services if the cyclone damages roads, power networks or other critical infrastructure. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into specified areas of the Bay of Bengal and along vulnerable coastlines during the warning period.



Safety Precautions as Cyclone Arnab Approaches

As Cyclone Arnab moves closer to land, residents in potentially affected districts should follow official instructions and take precautionary measures.

Key precautions include:

- Follow the latest IMD weather bulletins and district administration advisories.

- Move to designated shelters when instructed by local authorities.

- Avoid beaches, exposed coastal areas and rough seas during the warning period.

- Do not venture into floodwater or attempt to cross flooded roads.

- Keep essential medicines, drinking water, a charged phone and emergency supplies ready.

- Stay away from fallen power lines and report damaged electrical infrastructure to the authorities.

- Follow official announcements about school closures, transport disruptions and evacuation arrangements.

These precautions are particularly important in low-lying coastal communities, where strong winds, flooding and difficult sea conditions can create rapidly changing risks.



Conclusion

Cyclone Arnab's intensification over the Bay of Bengal has triggered heightened preparedness across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and other potentially affected regions. With landfall forecast near the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28 and wind speeds potentially reaching 115–125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph, authorities are focusing on evacuations, emergency response and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Heavy rainfall may also affect areas beyond the immediate coastline, increasing the risk of flooding and disruption to daily life. The storm's exact trajectory and intensity remain subject to change, making updated weather bulletins and local government instructions essential.

As the cyclone approaches, coordinated action by disaster-management agencies and public cooperation will be crucial to reducing casualties and limiting damage. Residents should remain alert, avoid unnecessary exposure to dangerous weather conditions and rely on official information as the situation develops.



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