Cyclone Arnab is gathering strength over the east-central Bay of Bengal. It's expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm soon. All projections point to it hitting between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28. Winds are forecasted to reach 115-125 kmph.
Odisha is not taking chances. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sent eight ministers to monitor the most vulnerable districts. Fishing is banned for now, and tourists are being kept away from hills, waterfalls, and dams in six districts. The state is on high alert as the cyclone nears the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Andhra Pradesh is also on edge. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has urged officials to stay vigilant, focusing on readiness to reduce damage and save lives. The Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) is on standby, with teams and equipment ready to tackle power outages and ensure quick restoration.
As the storm moves closer, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Andhra Pradesh and the southern coast of Odisha. The cyclone is expected to escalate into a very severe storm by October 27, and landfall is anticipated by the morning of October 28.
In Tamil Nadu, the cyclone's effects are already being felt. Continuous rains from the northeast monsoon have caused flooding in several areas. Kodaikanal is on red alert, leaving tourist spots empty and hitting the hospitality and tourism industries hard. Over 20 homes in the Moonjikkal-Dobikana area are flooded, forcing residents to safeguard their belongings and livestock.
In Andhra Pradesh, the State Emergency Operations Centre in Tadepalli, Guntur district, is keeping a close eye on the cyclone's path and strength. Residents have been warned to stay alert and take all necessary precautions as heavy to extremely heavy rain is predicted from Monday night.
The fishing community is also feeling the impact. Around 4,800 boats have been brought back to the Kakinada coast after receiving orders from the government and local authorities. The Fisheries Department, Indian Coast Guard, and district officials have advised fishermen to stay ashore until further notice.
With urban local body elections set for November 1, Cyclone Arnab's potential impact is worrying the State Election Commission. Discussions are ongoing with the State Disaster Management Authority to prepare for any disruptions the storm might cause.
Currently, no significant rainfall has been reported in Andhra Pradesh, but the situation is evolving as the cyclone continues its west-northwest track. The IMD has not issued major rainfall alerts for October 26, but they are watching the situation closely.
