Cyclone Arnab Strikes Andhra Pradesh with Heavy Rainfall

Cyclone Arnab has made landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh, creating very severe storm conditions, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the cyclone's landfall process is expected to last for the next two to three hours as the storm maintains a position close to the coastline. On the morning of October 28, the IMD reported that the cyclone was 'practically stationary' over the west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 30 kilometres east of Narsapur.

The very severe cyclonic storm is projected to continue moving northwestwards, likely crossing the coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. The IMD has warned that maximum sustained wind speeds may reach up to 135 kilometres per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 150 kilometres per hour very soon.

Heavy rain has already impacted several districts, including Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Konaseema, with rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres recorded in various locations. The highest reported rainfall was in Kannuripalem, Anakapalli district, at 261.5 millimetres.

Local authorities have undertaken rescue operations in response to the severe weather. In Kakinada, for instance, police managed to rescue four individuals trapped in floodwaters after they were surrounded by heavy rainfall and seawater inundation. The local police confirmed their safe return home.

Three individuals were reported stranded at the CWC godowns in Kakinada Anchorage Port due to flooding. They were also rescued with help from local authorities. G Raju, an employee caught during the cyclone, expressed gratitude for the timely assistance received from the rescue team.

As the storm continues, CM N Chandrababu Naidu is actively monitoring the situation. He held a teleconference to assess the evolving conditions and coordinate relief efforts. Officials were instructed to clear uprooted trees and to restore power supplies once the cyclone's impact decreases.

The situation remains critical, with heavy rain likely to persist throughout Wednesday and Thursday. Local officials have advised residents to refrain from venturing outside unless absolutely necessary and urged those in distress to use emergency contact services for assistance. The state's School Education Department has also transformed 609 schools into temporary rehabilitation centres to accommodate those displaced by the disaster, housing at least 854 individuals as of early Wednesday morning. The emergency responses highlight the potential for extensive recovery efforts in the wake of Cyclone Arnab as it continues to affect the region's weather conditions.