Cyclone Arnob Intensifies: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha on High Alert Ahead of Landfall

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Arnob and is expected to turn into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal have sounded alerts, with coastal districts bracing for wind speeds between 120 and 150 kilometres per hour, rough seas, and intense rainfall. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted a virtual review meeting to assess ground preparations, directing state machinery, the armed forces, police officials, and National Disaster Response Force teams to remain on standby. Precautionary evacuations have commenced in vulnerable coastal regions including Kakinada, Konaseema, and Visakhapatnam, prioritising pregnant women, elderly individuals, and citizens needing medical care. Fishermen have been warned against venturing out to sea as the meteorological department forecasts landfall around 28 October, with the administration targeting zero casualties through round-the-clock monitoring and disaster preparedness.