Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Life in Andhra Pradesh as Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Hit Coastal Districts
Cyclone Arnab intensified over coastal Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, October 28, disrupting normal life with heavy rainfall and b winds. Several roads have been inundated, while fallen trees and damaged power lines have affected movement and electricity supplies across multiple districts. Police in Kakinada rescued four people trapped by floodwaters.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Arnab began crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast at around 1:20 am on Wednesday. The storm's centre was very close to the coastline, south of Yanam. Information issued at around 5:30 am indicated that the landfall process was still underway.
The IMD said the cyclone was moving in a northwesterly direction, bringing heavy rainfall and b winds to coastal areas.
During landfall, sustained wind speeds were forecast to reach 125–135 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 150 kmph for short periods.
The effects of rain and b winds had been visible in Visakhapatnam since Tuesday. On Wednesday, several large trees fell in different parts of the city, disrupting movement.
Road closures were reported along Beach Road and in the Seethammadhara area following tree falls. A tree was also reported to have been uprooted near Andhra University College of Engineering for Women.
Power lines were damaged in some parts of the city. Waterlogging on roads has created difficulties for motorists. Amid b winds, residents have been avoiding unnecessary travel outside their homes.
The cyclone's impact has been reported in Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema and Visakhapatnam districts. Continuous rainfall has caused waterlogging in low-lying areas.
District officials in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Konaseema and West Godavari have also reported b winds and heavy rainfall. Fallen trees have caused localised damage in some areas.
High waves have also been reported in the sea off Gopalpur, in Odisha's Ganjam district. Strong winds and rainfall have continued to affect weather conditions in the area.
Four people were surrounded by floodwaters in the Bombay Katta area of Kakinada district. They had arrived at the location for work in the morning but were unable to leave after heavy rainfall and seawater inundated the area.
After remaining trapped until night, they informed the police about their situation. A police team reached the location after receiving the information and launched a rescue operation.
Separately, three people were reported to be trapped inside the CWC warehouses at Kakinada Anchorage Port in the same district. Rainwater and seawater had entered the premises, resulting in a complete power outage.
