Cyclone Arnab: Andhra Pradesh worst hit, 3 killed; IMD warns of 150 kmph gusts and heavy rain

Andhra Pradesh was among the worst-hit areas as Cyclone Arnab battered the state's coast on Wednesday, leaving three people dead and triggering flooding in several districts. Heavy rain and strong winds affected Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema, while rescue operations were carried out to evacuate people stranded by floodwaters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracked the very severe cyclonic storm as it moved north-westwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. The system brought winds of up to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph.

Rescue teams in Kakinada responded to reports of people stranded after floodwaters inundated residential areas and workplaces. Authorities also reported fallen trees and disruption caused by heavy rain and seawater entering low-lying areas.

Cyclone Arnab: IMD tracks storm near Andhra Pradesh coast

According to the IMD, the centre of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab was located near latitude 16.4 degrees north and longitude 82.0 degrees east over the west-central Bay of Bengal, close to the Andhra Pradesh coast.


The storm 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 said the system was moving north-westwards towards the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, with the coastal stretch between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near the south of Yanam, in its projected path.

Maximum sustained wind speeds of up to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph, were reported as the storm affected coastal districts.

Heavy rain and strong winds hit Visakhapatnam, Kakinada

The cyclone brought heavy rainfall to several areas of Andhra Pradesh, with Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema among the affected districts.

District collectors in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Konaseema and West Godavari reported heavy rain and strong winds. Officials also reported fallen trees in some locations.

Heavy rainfall and seawater entering low-lying areas led to flooding in parts of Kakinada, disrupting movement and leaving several people stranded.

Cyclone Arnab: Police rescue four people stranded in Kakinada

Kakinada district police rescued four people trapped by floodwaters near the Bombay Katta area after heavy rain and seawater inundated the locality.

According to a police press release, the four people had reported for duty in the morning but remained stranded until night after floodwaters surrounded the place where they were staying, leaving them unable to leave.

After receiving information about their situation, the police launched a rescue operation and brought all four people to safety. They were helped into a vehicle and sent back to their homes.

The rescue operation came as flooding affected several parts of the district amid the cyclone's impact.

Three people stranded at Kakinada Anchorage Port

Separately, three people were reported to be stranded at the Central Water Commission (CWC) godowns at Kakinada Anchorage Port due to flooding caused by Cyclone Arnab.

Heavy rainwater and seawater entered the premises, while the facility experienced a complete disruption of power supply. Floodwaters surrounded the storage area, preventing night-shift personnel from leaving. The operations team and LPA personnel were also unable to exit the facility, police said.

G Raju, an employee of a private company, said he became stranded by floodwaters while working the afternoon shift when the cyclone hit the area. He said the rescue team reached the premises and brought those trapped to safety.

C Durga Prasad, a resident of Nadakuduru, said he was stranded 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 affected.

Andhra Pradesh cyclone alert: Police issue safety advisory

With heavy rain, strong winds and flooding affecting parts of the coast, police advised residents not to venture outdoors unless absolutely necessary.

People were also asked to stay away from areas inundated by floodwaters and seek help if trapped in dangerous situations.

Those requiring emergency assistance were advised to contact Dial 112 or the Kakinada Police Control Room.

Authorities continued to monitor the situation and respond to reports of flooding and people requiring assistance across the affected coastal districts.


Inputs from agencies