Cyclone Arnab threat: Naidu orders evacuations, puts Andhra Pradesh on high alert

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered heightened preparedness across the State in view of the threat posed by Cyclone Arnab, which is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Roads and Buildings (R&B) Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy has directed officials to ensure road safety and an uninterrupted emergency response.

The cyclone is expected to affect 13 districts with heavy rainfall on October 28 and 29. Wind speeds of 115 to 140 kmph are forecast in 12 districts, according to the State government’s assessments.

Mr. Naidu has directed officials to evacuate people from flood-prone areas, prioritise vulnerable residents and deploy disaster response teams. Arrangements are being made to shift 4,711 pregnant women to health facilities. Officials reported that 30,043 fishing boats had returned safely to harbours.

Seven National Disaster Response Force and eight State Disaster Response Force teams will be deployed across 11 vulnerable districts. Additional teams will be kept in reserve in NTR and Visakhapatnam districts.

The government has also directed officials to protect harvested paddy, safeguard horticultural crops spread across 1.82 lakh hectares and ensure adequate stocks of essential commodities. Warning bulletins will be issued every four hours. As 22 reservoirs are expected to receive inflows, arrangements are being made to store 10 to 12 TMC of water.

R&B department prepares for emergency response

Mr. Janardhan Reddy said the R&B Department had been placed on high alert in accordance with the Chief Minister’s instructions, with the objective of ensuring zero casualties.

Officials have been directed to monitor national and State highways using inputs from the Real Time Governance Society, satellite data and drone surveillance. Flood-prone roads, dangerous bends and vulnerable bridges must be identified in advance, and alternative routes prepared wherever necessary.

Special disaster response teams will be kept ready to clear fallen trees and road obstructions. Tree cutters, proclains and JCB equipment must be readily available to restore traffic movement quickly in the event of damage.

The leave of Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers has been cancelled. Officials have been instructed to remain in the field, coordinate with District Collectors and the police, and stay at their headquarters until the cyclone’s impact subsides. Negligence will invite strict action, the Minister warned.

Barricades must be erected at vulnerable causeways and weak bridges, and traffic suspended wherever necessary. Officials have also been directed to inspect relief shelters, including government schools and R&B buildings, and ensure their structural safety and the availability of drinking water and other essential facilities.