Cyclone Arnab Threatens Andhra Pradesh; Naidu Orders High Alert, Evacuations

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered heightened preparedness across the state in response to the threat posed by Cyclone Arnab. Heavy to extremely heavy rain is forecast in 13 districts on October 28 and 29, with wind speeds of 115 to 140 kmph expected in 12 districts, according to state government assessments.

The government has stepped up disaster preparedness, including shifting 4,711 pregnant women to health facilities. Seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, totaling 15, are being deployed across 11 vulnerable districts, with additional teams in reserve in NTR and Visakhapatnam districts. The Roads and Buildings (R&B) department has readied emergency teams to ensure road safety and swift restoration of traffic, aiming for zero casualties.

Cyclone Arnab has intensified and is expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast, according to India Today. Coastal districts are bracing for wind speeds between 120 and 150 kilometres per hour, rough seas, and intense rainfall. Mr. Naidu reviewed precautionary measures and monitoring with disaster management and other department officials in Amaravati on Monday, directing officials to evacuate people from flood-prone areas and prioritize vulnerable residents.

Officials reported that 30,043 fishing boats had returned safely to harbours. Directives include protecting harvested paddy, safeguarding horticultural crops spread across 1.82 lakh hectares, and ensuring adequate stocks of essential commodities. Warning bulletins will be issued every four hours. Arrangements are also being made to store 10 to 12 TMC of water, as 22 reservoirs are expected to receive inflows.

R&B Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy directed officials to monitor national and state highways using inputs from the Real Time Governance Society, satellite data, and drone surveillance. Flood-prone roads, dangerous bends, and vulnerable bridges are being identified, and alternative routes prepared. Special disaster response teams, equipped with tree cutters, proclains, and JCB, are on standby to clear obstructions and restore traffic quickly. Leave for Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, and Executive Engineers has been cancelled, with instructions to remain in the field and coordinate with District Collectors and police until the cyclone's impact subsides. Negligence will invite strict action, the Minister warned. Barricades will be erected at vulnerable causeways and weak bridges, suspending traffic where necessary.

Precautionary evacuations have commenced in vulnerable coastal regions, including Kakinada, Konaseema, and Visakhapatnam, prioritizing pregnant women, elderly individuals, and citizens needing medical care, India Today reported. Officials have also been directed to inspect relief shelters, including government schools and R&B buildings, to ensure structural safety and availability of drinking water and other essential facilities. The meteorological department forecasts landfall around October 28, with the administration targeting zero casualties through round-the-clock monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Editor's note: Comprehensive report covering the vast majority of details from the extensive source material.