Cyclone Arnab strengthened into a very severe cyclone over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, prompting evacuations and emergency preparations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha ahead of its expected landfall on October 28.
The India Meteorological Department forecast that the storm would cross the coast near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with steady winds of 115–125 km/h and gusts of up to 140 km/h. Andhra Pradesh has started moving people from areas at risk. The state has also sent rescue teams.
Odisha has begun evacuations in areas at risk. According to a state preparedness update, Andhra Pradesh stationed 15 National Disaster Response Force teams. The update also said the state released ₹27 crore for relief work.
Odisha prepared more than 1,700 cyclone shelters. It placed rescue personnel in southern districts ahead of the storm. Both states have restricted fishing.
Schools have been shut in affected areas. Officials are preparing for heavy rain and strong winds. The storm’s forecast path puts coastal communities and low-lying areas at particular risk.
Authorities are giving priority to safe evacuations and emergency response. The timing and exact location of landfall remain forecasts. Residents have been urged to follow official weather and safety advice as Arnab approaches.