Cyclone Arnab Landfall Underway in Andhra Pradesh, Winds May Reach 140 kmph; Heavy Rain Lashes Coastal Districts, Watch

28 Oct 2026, 03:06 by Himanshu · KalingaTV

Kakinada: The landfall process of Cyclone ‘Arnab’ is underway along the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing torrential rainfall and destructive winds that have severely disrupted normal life in several coastal districts. The cyclonic storm began crossing the coast at around 1.10 am on Wednesday (October 28), earlier than initially anticipated.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone remained nearly stationary during the early morning hours, prolonging the impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds across coastal areas. The IMD’s 6.30 am bulletin indicated that the landfall process could continue for approximately two more hours.

The cyclone was positioned over the west-central Bay of Bengal between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, south of Yanam.

According to Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the cyclonic storm was centred approximately 30 km from Narsapur, 55 km from Yanam, 70 km from Kakinada and 90 km from Machilipatnam.

Wind Speeds May Touch 140 kmph

The IMD had forecast sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph, during the landfall process.

Meanwhile, APSDMA warned that wind speeds could reach 125–135 kmph in Kakinada, Konaseema and West Godavari districts over the next three hours.

The powerful winds have already uprooted several trees and damaged electricity infrastructure in affected areas. Road connectivity has been disrupted at multiple locations, while rail and flight operations have also been severely affected.

Authorities have warned that the strong winds could damage kutcha houses, electricity poles and other vulnerable structures.

Extremely Heavy Rainfall Warning for Several Districts

The cyclone has triggered widespread rainfall across Andhra Pradesh, particularly in coastal and adjoining districts.

According to APSDMA, extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Polavaram, Kakinada, Konaseema and East Godavari districts.

Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for West Godavari, Eluru, NTR and Krishna districts.

Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and other coastal areas have also experienced strong winds and continuous rainfall.

The slow movement of the cyclone has raised concerns that coastal districts could experience prolonged spells of intense rainfall and gusty winds.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Reviews Situation throughout Night

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been closely monitoring the cyclone situation and coordinating with district collectors, Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) officials and field personnel.

The Chief Minister conducted teleconferences with officials throughout the night, reviewing the situation until around 1.30 am and continuing to receive updates thereafter.

He again held a review meeting at approximately 6.15 am on Wednesday to assess the damage and supervise rescue and relief operations.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that heavy rainfall could continue on Wednesday and Thursday due to the cyclone’s impact.

Several trees and electricity poles have reportedly collapsed in affected districts. Electricity supply has been suspended in certain areas as a precautionary measure.

Naidu directed officials to immediately clear uprooted trees from roads and restore electricity services once the intensity of the cyclone subsides.

He also instructed the administration to take preventive measures against flooding and ensure that drainage channels remain functional.

Kakinada Collector Orders Food, Drinking Water and Medical Facilities at Shelters

Kakinada District Collector M. N. Harendhira Prasad has directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for people staying in cyclone relief shelters.

During an early morning teleconference on Wednesday, the Collector instructed authorities to provide breakfast and lunch to those accommodated in shelters.

He also directed officials to ensure the availability of safe drinking water, proper sanitation facilities and medical assistance.

Healthcare personnel have been instructed to remain on standby to address medical emergencies.

Special mandal officers have been asked to deploy adequate personnel for crowd management and other essential services.

The district administration has also initiated the immediate removal of fallen trees to restore road connectivity.

The Collector emphasised that all necessary precautionary measures should be taken to prevent loss of life and property.

Storm Surge Threat along Andhra Coast

The rough sea conditions have raised concerns over possible coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas near Kakinada and Yanam.

The IMD has warned that storm surges could raise sea levels by approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres above normal astronomical tides in vulnerable coastal areas.

Such a rise in sea levels could inundate low-lying coastal settlements and pose serious risks to residents.

Authorities have urged people living in vulnerable locations to follow evacuation instructions and remain in designated shelters until conditions improve.

Residents Advised to Remain Indoors Until Night

Kakinada District Collector Harendhira Prasad has appealed to residents to remain indoors until Wednesday night unless there is an emergency.

People have been advised to avoid standing under trees, approaching electricity poles or visiting beaches during the cyclonic conditions.

The administration has also urged residents to follow official weather advisories and cooperate with emergency response teams.

The cyclone is expected to gradually weaken after completing its landfall process. However, heavy rainfall and strong winds could continue to affect several districts even after the storm moves inland.

Authorities remain on high alert as rescue teams and district administrations work to minimise damage and ensure public safety.

With inputs from P. Hemant Kumar, Kalinga TV from Andhra Pradesh

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Cyclone Arnab Landfall Underway in Andhra Pradesh, Winds May Reach 140 kmph; Heavy Rain Lashes Coastal Districts, Watch

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