Full Breakdown
Cyclone Arnb: Preparations and Anticipated Impacts Across Eastern India
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Cyclone Arnab’s Intensification and Projected Landfall
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Cyclone Arnab as a very severe cyclonic storm moving west-northwestward over the Bay of Bengal. Forecasts indicate landfall on the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, 2026. Reported sustained winds are 115-135 kmph with gusts up to 150 kmph and a possible storm surge of 1-1.5 m above tide.
Background & Context
The name “Arnab” was contributed by Bangladesh and appears on the WMO’s regional list. The system intensified from a severe cyclonic storm on October 26, 2026 to a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27, 2026, prompting alerts across eight states and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Data & Statistics
- Power-grid readiness: 6,000 personnel deployed; 25,000 poles and materials on standby.
- Evacuations: 50,000 people moved to shelters in Andhra Pradesh; 400,000 may require evacuation. Odisha is preparing to relocate roughly 48,000 residents, with 135 permanent and 1,600 temporary shelters identified.
- Disaster-response forces: 31 NDRF teams across five states and Yanam, plus ODRAF and SDRF units on standby.
- Medical and relief assets: Andhra Pradesh positioned 1,087 medical teams, 8,281 emergency beds, 1,274 ambulances, and 21,536 anti-snake-venom doses. Over 14,600 ration shops hold two months’ essentials.
- Transport disruptions: More than 30,000 fishing boats secured; two IndiGo flights cancelled; 600 km of railway track under surveillance; 64 trains cancelled in the Vijayawada division.
Official Statements & Responses
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar directed the 1912 helpline to remain operational round-the-clock and ordered special officers for districts expecting very severe conditions.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered evacuation of low-lying areas and preparation of power-restoration plans.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida chaired a video-conference reviewing evacuation progress, confirming the plan is “ready” and underway.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that wind speeds constitute “large-scale damaging winds” that could disrupt power and communications.
NDRF Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi described meetings at the NDMA and Cabinet Secretary level to devise a “zero-casualty cyclone” strategy.
Divisional Railway Manager Edwin advised passengers to travel only if essential, noting uncertainty of coastal conditions.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local resident Kotesh Kumar (35) said water levels rose higher than during the cyclone three years ago, prompting households to stock up on groceries. Market vendor Habu Das reported shops remained closed as winds reached roughly 40 mph, while fishermen stayed ashore under a sea-ban.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Bulletins differ on peak winds: some cite 115-125 kmph sustained with gusts to 140 kmph, others list 125-135 kmph sustained with gusts up to 150 kmph. Storm-surge projections vary between 1 m and 1.5 m. Rainfall forecasts range from “extremely heavy” on the coast (Oct 27-28) to “very heavy” inland (Oct 29-30).
What’s Next
- Oct 28-31, 2026: IMD alerts remain active for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with yellow and orange warnings for specific districts.
- Power restoration: The Energy Department will keep the 1912 helpline operational and continue vegetation clearance on power lines.
- Evacuation monitoring: District control rooms in Visakhapatnam and other vulnerable zones will operate round-the-clock, with rapid-response teams on standby.
- Transport adjustments: Railway authorities will maintain surveillance of 600 km of track and provide passenger assistance booths as needed.
- Public advisories: Residents are urged to avoid open fields, stay indoors during thunderstorms, and follow updates on the official Sachet app.
Preparedness measures across the affected states aim to limit casualties and infrastructure damage as Cyclone Arnab approaches landfall.