Cyclone Arnab, a severe storm near the Andhra coast, intensified as it moved closer, driven by an El Niño event. The Indian Meteorological Department warned that strong winds and heavy rains could damage infrastructure and lead to localized flooding. Over time, residents in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha were moved to safer locations: nearly 100,000 people were first evacuated on Tuesday, with a total of 1.5 lakh—90,000 in Andhra Pradesh and 48,000 in Odisha—displaced by Wednesday.
Forecasters expected the cyclone to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam early on Wednesday. Wind estimates projected speeds between 90 km/h and 100 km/h along the coast, potentially rising to 115 km/h to 125 km/h as the storm struck land, with thatched‑roof homes threatened and power outages likely.
Cyclone Arnab is very likely to continue to move northwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh & Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to south of Yanam as a very severe cyclonic storm with the maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph during next 3hours. Centre of Severe cyclonic storm is very close to the coast line and the landfall process will continue during next 3 hours.
The Andhra Pradesh government emphasized that protecting lives was the priority, urging no panic but preparedness. A resident named Rajeshwari said: “Nos maisons sont inondées, et on est obligés de rester dans l’eau.” Another local, Kotesh Kumar, warned, “Je n’ai jamais vu ça.” Chief Minister N Chandrabu Naidu stated, “Our idea is only one; not even losing a single life. Saving all lives is our priority. There is no need for people to panic but they have to take precautions.”
There is no need for people to panic but they have to take precautions.
El Niño is known to influence the intensity of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal by increasing sea surface temperatures. This year’s event is linked to higher temperatures, potentially contributing to the storm’s rapid intensification.
#CycloneArnab is very likely to continue to move northwestwards and cross #AndhraPradesh & Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to south of Yanam as a very severe cyclonic storm with the maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph during next 3hours. Centre of Severe cyclonic storm is very close to the coast line and the landfall process will continue during next 3 hours.
After Arnab made landfall with wind speeds up to 140 km/h, heavy rainfall followed, resulting in localized flooding and widespread power outages. The damage highlighted the region’s vulnerability and the need for climate‑resilient infrastructure.