Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday reviewed the state’s preparedness and response to Cyclone Arnab with around 32,000 officials, directing them to intensify relief operations, restore essential services and minimise damage as the severe cyclonic storm affects coastal districts.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that no loss of life had been reported so far. Naidu praised government personnel for working through the night and said advance preparations had helped protect lives. He directed officials to continue relief and restoration work until normal conditions return.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the landfall process was underway along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, with the rear portion of the cyclone’s wall cloud expected to move across the coast. The storm was reported to have crossed the coast between Bapatla and the Yanam region, with its impact extending across several coastal districts.
IMD Warns of Strong Winds, Storm Surge
Amaravati Meteorological Department Director Dr. K. Nagaratna said strong winds of 125–135 kmph were affecting coastal areas, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph. She said the cyclone’s slow movement could prolong its impact on the coast.
The IMD warned of extremely rough sea conditions along the Kakinada and Yanam coasts, with waves rising up to 2.5 metres above normal levels. A storm surge could inundate low-lying areas around Kakinada and Yanam, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant.
A flash flood alert has been issued for Bapatla, Guntur, Krishna, NTR, Eluru, West Godavari, Konaseema, East Godavari, Kakinada, Alluri, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Parvathipuram Manyam districts.
The weather department has advised people to remain indoors until the landfall process is completed and strong winds subside. Residents have also been cautioned against standing near electric poles, old buildings and large trees.
Trees Uprooted, Roads Waterlogged
Cyclone-related disruptions have been reported in several parts of Andhra Pradesh. In Visakhapatnam, strong winds and high tides affected RK Beach, prompting police to restrict public access as a precaution. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
A tree was uprooted near Andhra University College of Engineering for Women in Visakhapatnam due to strong winds.
Heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds also lashed Vijayawada and surrounding areas. Several low-lying localities and major roads were waterlogged, with officials expecting moderate to heavy rainfall to continue through Wednesday.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) is monitoring the cyclone’s movement and impact across coastal districts.
Chief Minister Directs Swift Restoration of Essential Services
During his review, Naidu directed officials to clear fallen trees from roads within two hours and ensure that trees blocking national highways are removed without delay. He also instructed authorities to restore electricity in affected areas as soon as wind conditions permit.
The Chief Minister reviewed the situation with senior officials from the Energy, Irrigation, Roads and Buildings, Agriculture, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, and Panchayat Raj departments. He asked officials to prepare preliminary estimates of crop damage and brief the Centre on the state government’s response.
Naidu also directed officials to prevent water from entering agricultural fields, protect horticultural crops and take measures to prevent breaches in tanks and canals. Officials were asked to monitor water inflows into minor irrigation tanks and alert residents in vulnerable areas if overflow risks arise.
He stressed coordination with water users’ associations and instructed authorities to keep National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams on standby.
Cyclone Shelters and Medical Services on Alert
The state government has identified 2,199 cyclone shelters and put evacuation plans in place. According to the Chief Minister, 12 NDRF teams and 10 SDRF teams have been assigned to 14 districts.
Authorities have deployed 1,087 medical teams and kept 8,281 emergency beds and 1,274 ambulances ready. Pregnant women have been shifted to hospitals as a precaution, while essential medical supplies and emergency services have been arranged.
Drinking water tankers, generators, reverse osmosis (RO) plants and equipment to clear fallen trees and restore road connectivity have also been kept ready. The Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre and APSDMA are monitoring developments round the clock.
Naidu further directed officials to ensure that cyclone shelters have adequate food, drinking water and medical facilities. Residents are to be allowed to return home only after conditions have stabilised.
The Chief Minister also called for the effective use of Mana Mitra, the state’s WhatsApp-based governance service, to enable residents to report problems and receive updates once their complaints have been resolved. He instructed officials to keep Swarna Grama and Ward Secretariats updated on the evolving situation.
Flight Operations Disrupted
Cyclone Arnab has also affected air services in Andhra Pradesh. Flight operations at Visakhapatnam were suspended from the afternoon of October 27, while services at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry were suspended after 7 pm.
Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air announced flight cancellations, while Alliance Air reported normal operations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for airports and asked airlines to provide assistance to affected travellers.