Cyclone Arnab made landfall near the Visakhapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh, bringing wind speeds of up to 135 kmph. The storm caused significant destruction, uprooting trees and electric poles across the coastal belt. According to official reports, the cyclone has claimed five lives in Andhra Pradesh. In a separate incident in Vizianagaram district, a junior lineman died after falling from an electric pole during restoration work. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex gratia of 5 lakh rupees for the families of the deceased, along with relief packages for farmers and small businesses.
Disruption of Transport and Infrastructure
The cyclone has severely impacted the railway network in the region. A railway bridge near Ichchapuram was inundated, leading to the cancellation of 64 train services on October 27 and 28. These cancellations primarily affected long distance express trains connecting Telangana with coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. To assist stranded passengers, the railway authorities have introduced a special train service between Visakhapatnam and Palasa. In North Andhra, several rivers are flowing above the danger mark, and floodwaters have entered residential areas in Ichchapuram.
Regional Impact in Odisha and Jharkhand
Odisha is facing a critical flood situation following intense rainfall triggered by the cyclone. Two rain gauge stations in Ganjam district, Patrapur and Sorada, recorded over 50 cm of rainfall within a 24 hour period. The state administration is preparing to airlift citizens stranded by rising floodwaters. Meanwhile, Jharkhand has also experienced heavy downpours. The weather department has issued Orange and Yellow alerts for districts including Garhwa, Palamu, and Simdega. Schools in several Jharkhand districts will remain closed through Friday as a precautionary measure.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has communicated with the Chief Ministers of the affected states, ensuring full support from the central government. Teams from the NDRF and SDRF are currently engaged in rescue operations on a war footing. While relief work continues, the India Meteorological Department has identified a new low pressure system forming in the Andaman Sea. This system is expected to intensify into a depression by October 31, potentially affecting the Andhra Pradesh coast again. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as coastal states remain on high alert.
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