CYCLONE ARNAB BEARS DOWN ON ANDHRA COAST AS ODISHA MOBILISES MASS EVACUATION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
October 28, 2026
BHUBANESWAR, October 28, 2026 — Authorities in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh intensified emergency preparations as very severe Cyclone Arnab approached India’s eastern coastline, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds and the threat of flooding to vulnerable coastal and inland districts. Odisha initiated evacuation measures for approximately 50,000 people living in low-lying, flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas, while schools in eight districts were ordered to remain closed as a precaution.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s forecast reported on Tuesday, the cyclone was expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam during the early hours of Wednesday. Maximum sustained wind speeds were forecast at 125–135 kilometres per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 150 kilometres per hour, raising concerns about damage to homes, electricity infrastructure, transport networks and agricultural land.
Parts of southern and coastal Odisha had already experienced rainfall, with showers reported in Berhampur, Rayagada and Puri, while Bhubaneswar and several other districts received moderate precipitation. The meteorological threat extended beyond the immediate coastline, as heavy rain could affect communities far from the cyclone’s projected landfall area.
The Odisha administration identified eight districts for heightened precautionary measures, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada. Authorities were preparing to move vulnerable residents to safer locations and cyclone shelters, with particular attention to people living in exposed settlements and areas at risk of flooding or landslides. Officials also emphasised the need to prioritise vulnerable residents, including patients and pregnant women, during evacuation operations.
Public safety restrictions were introduced along popular coastal destinations. The Puri district administration cautioned tourists against going onto the beach, while a similar warning was issued for Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district. Fishermen were also advised to remain away from dangerous sea conditions as the cyclone approached.
Transport services faced disruption as the East Coast Railway announced that 22 express and passenger train services would be cancelled or regulated on different dates between October 27 and November 5. The affected services connect several important destinations, including Visakhapatnam, Secunderabad, Howrah, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Rayagada and Koraput. Travellers were advised to check the latest railway announcements before beginning their journeys.
The scale of the preparations reflects the considerable risks posed by a powerful Bay of Bengal cyclone. Heavy rainfall can trigger flash floods and landslides, while destructive winds can uproot trees, damage buildings, disrupt communications and bring down power lines. In coastal areas, rough seas and possible storm-driven inundation pose additional dangers to residents and fishing communities.
With the cyclone threatening to affect neighbouring regions as well, disaster-management agencies and state authorities were maintaining heightened vigilance. The immediate priority remained the safe relocation of people from exposed areas, the availability of shelters and emergency supplies, and the coordination of rescue and relief operations.
As Cyclone Arnab approached the coast, officials urged residents to follow instructions issued by local administrations and meteorological authorities, avoid beaches and other exposed locations, and refrain from unnecessary travel. The effectiveness of these precautions—and the ability to keep people away from the storm’s most dangerous zones—would be crucial to limiting casualties and damage.
