Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall on October 28, prompting evacuations, school closures and emergency measures across eastern India. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up preparations for Cyclone Arnab, with school closures, fishing restrictions, evacuations and the deployment of rescue teams ahead of its expected landfall on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast winds reaching 115-125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph, as the very severe cyclonic storm approaches the coast. Odisha has started moving people from vulnerable areas to safer locations, while both states have mobilised disaster response teams and emergency services.
According to the IMD, the cyclone is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 27, 2026Sub: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” [Pronunciation : Ornab] over Westcentral Bay of Bengal [Cyclone Warning for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts—Red Message]
The very severe cyclonic storm “Arnab” [Pronunciation :Ornab] over Westcentral Bay of Bengal moved… pic.twitter.com/V2xtDxAQNN
The storm was moving west-northwestwards at around 25 kmph over the west-central Bay of Bengal, the weather department said. At 2.30 am on Tuesday, October 27, its centre was located approximately 300 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 360 km east-southeast of Kakinada and 380 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha.
The cyclone is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards before turning northwestwards towards the coast near Yanam.
The IMD has also warned of moderate rainfall accompanied by squally winds of 50-60 kmph, with gusts reaching 70 kmph, over parts of Andhra Pradesh in the following three hours. Anakapalli, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts are among the areas likely to experience these conditions.
Andhra Pradesh Releases Rs 27 Crore for Relief Operations
The Andhra Pradesh government has released Rs 27 crore to 20 districts to support relief and emergency operations ahead of the cyclone.
According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, 15 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations across the state. Seven districts, including Kakinada, Krishna and East Godavari, have been allocated Rs 2 crore each, while 13 other districts have received sanctions of Rs 1 crore each.
NDRF teams have been positioned at vulnerable locations, including Kakinada, Konaseema, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Machilipatnam and Nakkapalli. Two teams have been deployed at Yanam, while three teams are stationed at the NDRF Battalion Headquarters in Krishna district and the Regional Response Centre in Visakhapatnam.
The deployments are aimed at strengthening the state's capacity to respond to emergencies and carry out rescue and relief operations if required.
Odisha Begins Evacuations, Deploys Rescue Teams
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deputed eight ministers to different locations to oversee cyclone preparedness and monitor the situation.
Although the cyclone is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast, Odisha is also preparing for heavy rainfall and strong winds, with gusts likely to reach 80 kmph. Teams from the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire and Emergency Services and police have been deployed in vulnerable areas.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said residents living in thatched houses and low-lying areas were being shifted to cyclone shelters and other safer locations. Pregnant women are being moved to health centres in advance, while special arrangements have been made to assist senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
Pujari said all cyclone shelters and several temporary shelters were ready to accommodate people evacuated from vulnerable areas. Employee leave has been cancelled in identified districts to ensure the availability of personnel for emergency duties. Control rooms have also been established to coordinate rescue, relief and other response measures.
The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest crops that are 80-85 per cent mature and store them safely to minimise potential losses. Dedicated helplines have also been opened to assist farmers during the emergency. In Ganjam district, the administration has declared holidays for all Anganwadi centres from Tuesday, October 27, to Thursday, October 29, as a precautionary measure.
Centre Reviews Cyclone Preparedness
The National Crisis Management Committee has reviewed preparedness measures and directed agencies to remain alert ahead of the cyclone's expected landfall.
Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan asked the Ministry of Home Affairs and the IMD to issue necessary alerts for eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where heavy rainfall is also forecast. Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry are among the other regions being monitored.
Somanathan directed the concerned agencies to prioritise the protection of human lives, minimise damage to property and infrastructure, and ensure the early restoration of essential services if disruptions occur. The NDRF informed the meeting that response teams had been deployed, while additional units were kept on standby.
The Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have also kept their personnel, ships and aircraft ready to respond to emergencies. The government said the Coast Guard had already guided several ships and boats towards jetties or the shore. Other vessels had also been alerted to return to the coast.
Andaman And Nicobar Islands Close Schools
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration on Tuesday, October 27, ordered the closure of all schools for two days as a precautionary measure.
The Directorate of Disaster Management warned that sea conditions were likely to become extremely rough and advised fishermen not to venture into the Bay of Bengal. Residents and visitors have also been advised to avoid tourism, recreational activities and onshore and offshore operations until weather conditions improve.
West Bengal Braces for Heavy Rainfall
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts of West Bengal between October 28 and October 30.
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri are likely to receive heavy rain on October 29 and 30. The department has also warned of possible landslides in Darjeeling. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast from Monday, October 26, owing to the possibility of squally winds.
Uttar Pradesh Issues Weather Advisory
The Relief Commissioner's Office in Uttar Pradesh has issued an advisory warning of unseasonal rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds between Wednesday, October 28, and Saturday, October 31. Winds reaching 50 kmph are likely in some areas, while daytime temperatures could fall by 5-8 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Ghazipur and Ballia for Wednesday, October 28, with winds of 30-40 kmph expected. An orange alert has been issued for Thursday, October 29, when heavy rainfall and winds of 40-50 kmph are possible.
Heavy rain and strong winds are also likely on Friday, October 30, in Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur and several districts across Purvanchal, Awadh and the Terai region. The administration has advised residents to remain inside permanent buildings during severe weather, stay away from trees and electricity poles, and monitor alerts through the Sachet app.
Railways Strengthen Safety Measures
South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur has reviewed preparedness across all four divisions to minimise disruptions and ensure passenger safety. A 24-hour control room has been established at the zonal headquarters in Visakhapatnam, along with similar facilities at divisional headquarters.
Railway officials are monitoring vulnerable bridges, tracks, yards and signalling systems round the clock. Patrol teams have been deployed at sensitive locations, while drainage channels are being cleared and emergency track maintenance materials stocked.
Help desks are being set up at major railway stations, and additional refund counters may be opened if trains are cancelled. Medical teams and ambulances have been kept ready, while catering units have been instructed to maintain adequate food stocks. Railway crews are also prepared to operate special trains if required.
Mathur has directed officials to coordinate closely with state authorities and ensure that necessary arrangements remain in place throughout the cyclone threat. Passengers have been advised to follow official railway announcements for updates on train operations.
Ports Issue Level 2 Danger Warnings
Several ports have issued Level 2 danger warnings as the cyclone approaches the eastern coast. Authorities have urged residents, fishermen and other people in vulnerable areas to remain alert, follow official weather bulletins and comply with safety instructions issued by local administrations.
With rescue teams on standby and preparations underway across multiple states and Union Territories, authorities are focusing on evacuations, emergency response and the protection of lives and infrastructure as Cyclone Arnab moves towards the coast.