Andhra coast on high alert as cyclone Arnab nears
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Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday sounded a high alert as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab moved towards the coast, with landfall expected near Yanam on October 28. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for the state.
According to an official update issued at 10 am, the storm was centred about 215 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, moving west-northwest at 22 kmph, with winds reaching 157 kmph near its centre. At landfall, wind speeds are expected to range between 130 and 160 kmph.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy showers at isolated places, is forecast in north and central Andhra Pradesh until Wednesday. A storm surge of 1 to 2 metres is expected along the coast, particularly near Kakinada and Yanam.
Authorities have established 2,131 cyclone shelters across 20 districts and deployed 12 National Disaster Response Force teams and 10 State Disaster Response Force teams. Emergency medical services, power restoration crews and relief supplies have also been mobilised.
Officials said all 30,043 fishing boats had returned to shore, while fishermen have been advised to remain at sea until October 29. Residents have been urged to follow official advisories, avoid coastal areas and water bodies, and move to designated shelters when instructed.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Home Minister V. Anitha are monitoring preparedness measures, with district administrations directed to coordinate relief and rescue operations.
With IANS inputs