Story perspectives

IMD Warns Cyclone Arnab Landfall in Andhra Pradesh Oct 28

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 4:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

India’s meteorological agency (IMD) forecasts Cyclone Arnab will make landfall on Andhra Pradesh’s coast on Oct 28.
The storm should produce sustained winds of 115-125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h.
Andhra Pradesh ordered evacuations in districts by Oct 27, deploying 12 SDRF and 7 NDRF battalions.
Odisha issued a red alert for five districts and closed schools Oct 28-29.
IMD forecast heavy rain across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Oct 27-29, with isolated totals over 20 cm.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, which struck on October 29, 1999, devastated the Indian coastline and killed over 10,000 people. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning only 12 hours before landfall, while the Indian Navy deployed 30 vessels and the Red Cross raised INR1 billion for relief. Today’s IMD forecast for Cyclone Arnab, with 115-125 km/h winds and 20 cm rain, prompts Andhra Pradesh’s SDRF and NDRF battalions to evacuate, echoing 1999’s emergency mobilization. The 1999 disaster spurred India’s coastal disaster-risk framework, leading to today’s pre-emptive alerts, school closures, and coordinated state responses.

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Story summary

India’s meteorological agency (IMD) forecasts Cyclone Arnab will make landfall on Andhra Pradesh’s coast on Oct 28.
The storm should produce sustained winds of 115-125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h.
Andhra Pradesh ordered evacuations in districts by Oct 27, deploying 12 SDRF and 7 NDRF battalions.
Odisha issued a red alert for five districts and closed schools Oct 28-29.
IMD forecast heavy rain across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Oct 27-29, with isolated totals over 20 cm.

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