Cyclone Arnab Intensifies, Odisha on High Alert

Cyclone Arnab is gaining strength over the Bay of Bengal, prompting Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to step up preparations ahead of its expected landfall on October 28.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning. It may intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph.

Odisha Activates Emergency Measures

The Odisha government has activated disaster management teams and emergency response systems to minimise the impact of the approaching cyclone. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are among the districts expected to face heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Educational institutions, including schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres, in these five districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. The government has also cancelled leave for officials posted in vulnerable areas and instructed them to remain at their respective headquarters.

Round-the-clock control rooms have been established at district, block, tehsil and urban local body levels to coordinate emergency operations and assist residents.

Andhra Pradesh Strengthens Power Preparedness

Andhra Pradesh has placed its electricity infrastructure on high alert to reduce disruptions during the cyclone. State Energy Minister G. Ravi Kumar reviewed preparedness with officials and directed power utilities to ensure uninterrupted staffing and rapid restoration of damaged networks.

Emergency teams, replacement electricity poles, transformers, conductors, generators and water-removal pumps have been mobilised. Senior officials have also been instructed to remain in vulnerable areas until the threat subsides.

Residents have been advised to keep away from fallen electrical wires and report power-related emergencies through the toll-free helpline 1912.

Fishing Suspended Along Tamil Nadu Coast

The cyclone alert has also affected fishing activities along the Thoothukudi coast in Tamil Nadu. More than 50,000 fishermen have been impacted by the suspension of fishing operations and have been advised to remain ashore until weather conditions improve.

Authorities across the affected regions are closely monitoring the storm’s movement and have urged people to follow official advisories and take necessary precautions.