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Cyclone Arnab is strengthening over the Bay of Bengal, with India’s weather authorities warning of winds reaching 140 kmph, torrential rainfall and possible flooding along parts of the eastern coast.
Mariyam Adheela
Cyclone Arnab is the first cyclone to develop over the Bay of Bengal in 2026 -- Photo: PTI
VISAKHAPATNAM, India: Cyclone Arnab is moving towards India’s eastern coast, prompting weather alerts and emergency preparations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha ahead of its expected landfall on October 28.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm was centred over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal on today morning, approximately 650 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam.
The system is expected to strengthen further as it moves towards the coast. Forecasters expect it to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by Wednesday morning.
The IMD has forecast sustained winds of 115–125 kmph during landfall, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also expected across several coastal districts, raising concerns about flooding and disruption to daily life.
Red alerts have been issued for several districts in Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna and Guntur, with warnings covering October 27 and 28. Authorities have also warned of possible inundation in low-lying areas near Kakinada and Yanam due to a storm surge.
The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea as conditions are expected to deteriorate. Coastal communities have been urged to follow official advisories as the cyclone approaches.
Authorities in Odisha have also activated disaster response measures as southern districts prepare for heavy rainfall and strong winds. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri — are scheduled to remain closed on October 28 and 29, according to reports.
Officials are reviewing preparedness measures and coordinating efforts to reduce the risk to residents. President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit to Odisha has also been postponed because of the cyclone threat.
Cyclone Arnab is the first cyclone to develop over the Bay of Bengal in 2026. Authorities continue to monitor its movement and intensity, with forecasts subject to change as the system approaches land.
