Authorities in the eastern coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal are gearing up for cyclone Arnab, which is expected to make landfall near Visakhapatnam on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the forecast presented at the review meeting, the system could cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the afternoon of October 28. The Konaseema–Yanam–Kakinada coastal belt is among the areas being closely monitored for a possible landfall.
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Cyclone Arnab preparedness in Andhra Pradesh
Officials informed Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu that the system was likely to intensify into a cyclone by the morning of October 26, a severe cyclone by that night, and a very severe cyclone on October 27. At the time of landfall, wind speeds could reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph on certain occasions.
Officials warned that North Andhra and Central Coastal districts were likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28, with isolated locations potentially experiencing exceptionally heavy downpours.
Kakinada, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Konaseema and East Godavari districts, along with other parts of North Andhra, are expected to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall. The intensity of rainfall is likely to be particularly high on October 27 and 28, officials said.
Naidu instructed officials to continuously assess the cyclone’s trajectory and alert people according to the anticipated intensity of its impact. The chief minister also directed officials to issue cyclone bulletins every four hours and ensure that updated information reaches the public, district administrations and field-level personnel without delay.
He asked officials to analyse data from previous cyclones to improve preparedness and facilitate timely warnings to farmers and the general public. District collectors were instructed to identify vulnerable coastal areas and evacuate residents to cyclone shelters wherever necessary.
State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain informed the meeting that seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams had been deployed in vulnerable districts in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact.
Jain advised people to postpone non-essential travel on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 27 and 28, in view of the anticipated cyclone impact. He urged fishermen not to venture into the sea and asked them to secure their boats and fishing nets in safe locations.
Also Read | Cyclone Arnab to make landfall on October 28 in Andhra Pradesh, evacuation of 5.7 lakh people to start soon
Cyclone Arnab preparedness in Odisha
Odisha, which also lies in the path of Cyclone Arnab, has put more than 3,000 pregnant women under close watch and prepared shelters and temporary accommodation centres as southern districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Rayagada and Gajapati braced for the possible impact of the cyclone.
Odisha chief secretary Anu Garg, who had a videoconference with union cabinet secretary TV Somanathan, said senior officers have been deputed to oversee preparedness and the post-cyclone response, while the power and water resources departments have been directed to remain alert.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said 135 cyclone shelters and 1,600 temporary accommodation centres were ready. Eight NDRF teams, 40 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and fire services personnel have been deployed across districts, with additional teams stationed in Ganjam and other coastal areas.
Fishing activities have been suspended in Odisha, and restrictions have been imposed near beaches and tourist destinations. The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest and safely store paddy, maize, ragi and other crops that have reached 80-85 per cent maturity. Dedicated helplines have been opened to assist farmers.
Chief minister Mohan Majhi assigned deputy CMs KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida to Koraput and Rayagada, respectively. Ministers Rabi Narayan Naik, Bibhuti Jena, Krushna Chandra Patra, Nityananda Gond, Mukesh Mahaling and Suryabanshi Suraj have been deployed to Kandhamal, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and Gajapati, respectively.
Odisha is also coordinating with neighbouring Chhattisgarh to manage possible inflows of excess water if the upstream state receives heavy rainfall. The state has formed a team to maintain contact with Chhattisgarh authorities and monitor any release of water.
The Indian Air Force, Navy and Army are being kept in coordination for possible rescue and relief operations.
In West Bengal, where only heavy rain is expected, people have been advised to move into cyclone shelters by Tuesday afternoon.