Amaravati, October 2026 : The landfall process of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab continued along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, with the storm’s centre remaining close to the coastline, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The weather agency warned that the landfall process was expected to continue for another three hours, accompanied by powerful winds and heavy rainfall across several coastal districts.
According to the IMD, the cyclone’s northern spiral band had moved further inland, while the system continued to affect areas along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The storm was positioned over the west-central Bay of Bengal, close to the coastline, as it advanced towards the mainland.
In its official bulletin, the IMD said Cyclone Arnab was located near latitude 16.4 degrees north and longitude 82.0 degrees east. The system was approximately 30 km east of Narsapur, 45 km south-southwest of Yanam, 70 km south-southwest of Kakinada and 90 km east-northeast of Machilipatnam.
The weather department forecast that the very severe cyclonic storm would continue moving northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to the south of Yanam. Maximum sustained wind speeds were expected to reach 135 kmph, with gusts touching 150 kmph during the following three hours.
Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Batter Coastal Districts
The impact of Cyclone Arnab was already being felt across several parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rainfall reported in Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema districts.
District collectors in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Konaseema and West Godavari reported intense rainfall and strong winds. Officials also reported fallen trees at several locations, highlighting the disruption caused by the severe weather conditions.
Authorities remained on alert as heavy rain and strong winds raised concerns about waterlogging, flooding and risks to people living in vulnerable coastal areas.
Kakinada Police Rescue Four People Trapped in Floodwaters
In Kakinada district, police rescued four people who were stranded in floodwaters near the Bombay Katta area after heavy rainfall and seawater inundated the locality, according to a district police press release.
The four individuals had reported for duty in the morning but remained trapped until night after floodwaters completely surrounded the place where they were staying. With the water blocking their exit, they contacted the police for assistance.
Police personnel subsequently launched a rescue operation and safely evacuated all four individuals. They were helped into a vehicle and sent back to their respective homes.
The incident underscored the dangers posed by flooding during the passage of the cyclone, particularly in low-lying areas exposed to heavy rainfall and seawater intrusion.
Three Workers Stranded at Kakinada Anchorage Port
In another incident, three people were reported stranded at the Central Water Commission (CWC) godowns in Kakinada Anchorage Port as Cyclone Arnab battered the area.
Heavy rainwater and seawater entered the premises, leaving the facility inundated. The situation was further complicated by a complete disruption of electricity supply. Personnel working the night shift, along with operations team members and LPA personnel, were unable to leave the premises because floodwaters had surrounded the facility.
G Raju, an employee of a private company, said he became stranded while working the afternoon shift when the cyclone hit the area. He said the rescue team eventually reached the location and brought them to safety.
C Durga Prasad, a resident of Nadakuduru, also described being trapped by floodwaters while travelling towards the Kakinada bus stop during the cyclone. He thanked the police for responding to information provided by local residents and rescuing those in danger.
Police Issue Safety Advisory Amid Cyclone Threat
As Cyclone Arnab continued its landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, police urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement and stay away from flood-affected areas.
People were advised not to enter inundated roads or attempt to cross flowing floodwaters. Residents facing emergencies, trapped in dangerous locations or requiring immediate assistance were instructed to contact Dial 112 or the Kakinada Police Control Room.
With strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding continuing to threaten coastal communities, authorities stressed the importance of following official advisories and prioritising personal safety during the cyclone.
