Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha ahead of its expected landfall on Wednesday morning.
The storm recorded sustained winds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. Authorities cancelled several flights and train services as the cyclone approached the coast.
Andhra Pradesh has evacuated nearly 50,000 people from vulnerable areas, while officials are preparing for further evacuations. The state has identified 2,131 shelter locations across 20 districts and deployed medical teams, ambulances and emergency personnel.
Odisha is preparing to relocate around 48,000 people from low-lying and landslide-prone areas. Schools and colleges have been closed in affected districts, while 294 rescue teams have been mobilised. Ports at Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur have also been placed on alert.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several states, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.
The cyclone has also disrupted air travel, with cancellations reported at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports. Authorities have urged fishermen to stay ashore and residents in vulnerable areas to follow official safety advisories.
Neighbouring Sri Lanka and Nepal have also issued warnings over possible heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides.