Cyclone Arnab has intensified, drawing closer to the eastern coast of India. The India Meteorological Department is closely monitoring the system as it moves toward the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. This ‘very severe’ storm has triggered emergency responses across the region, with authorities mobilizing evacuation efforts as the system nears landfall.
Cyclone Arnab is classified as a very severe storm, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that pose a direct danger to millions. The system is expected to impact Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, potentially causing significant damage to infrastructure. For these states, the implications are grave, as both regions have large coastal populations vulnerable to the storm's force.
#Cyclone ‘Arnab’ intensifies: #Andhra, #Odisha brace for very severe #storm 🔗 https://t.co/Hrbt7QLYfz https://t.co/R7144IfuG7
Over 12 million people are in the path of Cyclone Arnab, making it a significant challenge for disaster management. The scale of the threat highlights why early warning systems and evacuation planning are essential components of the response as the storm approaches.
Authorities have moved several thousand people from coastal areas into shelters as the cyclone draws nearer.
In Odisha, evacuation efforts are underway. Authorities have moved several thousand people from coastal areas into shelters as the cyclone draws nearer. The decision to relocate residents is based on the storm's projected trajectory and the vulnerability of coastal communities, with officials working to ensure safety before the storm's arrival.
Sub: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” [Pronunciation : Ornab] over Westcentral Bay of Bengal [Cyclone Warning for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts—Red Message]* The very severe cyclonic storm “Arnab” [Pronunciation :Ornab] over Westcentral Bay of Bengal moved nearly west-northwestwards with a speed of 20 kmph during past 6 hours, and lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of today, the 27th October, 2026 over the same region near latitude 16.2°N and longitude 83.7°E, about 170 km south-southeast of Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 180 km east-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 270 km east of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 350 km east of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh), and 370 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha). It is very likely to move west-northwestwards till evening of 27th October. Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh & Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam as a very severe cyclonic storm with the maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph by forenoon of 28th October, 2026.
To prepare for the storm, services on 53 routes along the southern coast have been suspended, and train services have been cancelled in eastern India. The shutdown of these networks is a critical measure to protect the public as the region braces for the cyclone's impact.
Beyond the Indian coast, authorities have advised tourists to stay away from high-altitude areas in Nepal due to the potential for avalanches as the weather system influences the region. This cross-border concern illustrates the wide-reaching impact of the storm.
#WATCH | Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: On the train cancellations as a precautionary safety measure against Cyclone Arnab, South Central Railway Vijayawada Division Additional Divisional Railway Manager P.E. Edwin says, "...We have cancelled 53 local trains as a safety and precautionary measure, and also long-distance trains—11 trains have also been cancelled. Any other assistance also can be taken or information can be taken from the numbers provided to you all..." "...We have 365-day patrol men; now we have intensified it even more. All stationary watchmen have been deployed and provided with safety gadgets and other communication arrangements so that real-time information may reach us so that we can reach the spot and give assistance. We have provided passenger assistance booths as well, and the contact numbers have been given. Passengers are requested to undertake these journeys only if it is very urgent, because we do not know—this is a coastal area, and at any time anything may happen without warning..."
Cyclone Arnab is projected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by Wednesday. This timing is critical, as the storm's approach will bring the most intense conditions to the coastline, where evacuation orders remain in effect and shelters are prepared for those displaced.
Both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha remain at the forefront of the crisis, facing the threats of heavy rain and strong winds. Government agencies, including those overseen by officials like Prakhar Jain, are coordinating to manage the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and ensure that emergency services are ready to respond to the storm's impact on these states.