ANDHRA PRADESH, India, 28 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Cyclone Arnab struck India’s southeastern coastline on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of more than 180,000 people across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha. The powerful storm brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, damaging homes, disrupting transport services and threatening vulnerable coastal communities.
Authorities mobilised emergency response teams as the cyclone crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Yanam during the early hours of Wednesday. Schools closed in affected districts, while flights and railway services faced widespread disruption.
Cyclone Arnab Hits Andhra Pradesh With Destructive Winds
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coastline between 2am and 8am local time on 28 October.
The weather agency reported sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 150 kilometres per hour.
The cyclone crossed the coast southwest of Yanam, approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Kakinada.
Meteorologists also warned of storm surges reaching 1–1.5 metres above normal tide levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and damage to agricultural land.
The storm subsequently weakened as it moved inland, although dangerous rainfall and strong winds remained a concern.
Mass Evacuations Disrupt Coastal Communities
Reuters reported that authorities evacuated more than 180,000 residents across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as emergency preparations intensified.
Residents from vulnerable coastal settlements were moved to safer locations, including temporary evacuation shelters.
Strong winds uprooted trees and electricity poles, damaging infrastructure and interrupting power supplies.
Transport operations were also affected, with several railway services cancelled and flights suspended at three Andhra Pradesh airports.
Emergency workers began clearing fallen trees and debris from roads to restore access to affected communities.
Indian Weather Officials Issue Severe Storm Warnings
The India Meteorological Department issued warnings about dangerous winds, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding before landfall.
In its official weather bulletins, the agency identified the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coastline as the storm’s expected landfall area.
The department warned that coastal communities could experience damage to buildings, electricity networks, communication infrastructure and standing crops.
Authorities also advised fishermen to avoid dangerous sea conditions as the cyclone approached.
The warnings formed part of wider emergency preparations involving state authorities, disaster response teams and local administrations.
Why India’s Eastern Coast Faces Cyclone Risks
India’s eastern coastline is particularly exposed to tropical cyclones developing over the Bay of Bengal.
Warm ocean waters can support the development of powerful storms capable of bringing destructive winds, intense rainfall and dangerous coastal surges.
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have previously experienced severe cyclones that damaged housing, agriculture, fishing infrastructure and public utilities.
Improved weather forecasting, early-warning systems and organised evacuations have strengthened disaster preparedness in recent years.
However, densely populated coastal settlements remain vulnerable to flooding, electricity failures and interruptions to essential services.
Storm Damage Raises Concerns for Residents and Farmers
The immediate impact extends beyond damage to buildings and roads.
Fishing communities face interruptions to maritime activities, while farmers risk losing crops to flooding and strong winds.
Families displaced from coastal settlements may require temporary accommodation, drinking water, medical assistance and restored electricity supplies.
Local businesses and transport operators could also face disruption while authorities assess damage and clear affected routes.
What Happens Next After the Cyclone’s Landfall?
Weather officials expect the cyclone to weaken further as it moves inland, although heavy rainfall may continue across affected areas.
Emergency teams will continue assessing infrastructure damage, restoring essential services and clearing blocked roads as conditions allow.
Authorities are also monitoring flood risks in vulnerable districts.
Residents have been urged to follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions.
The full scale of the cyclone’s damage will become clearer as local authorities complete their assessments.
