Cyclone Arnab made landfall in southeast India on Wednesday morning, bringing with it strong winds and torrential rains. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) classified the storm as "very severe," with winds gusting up to 140 km/h. The storm's center was located in the southernmost part of Andhra Pradesh state. The IMD issued its latest bulletin at 3:00 GMT.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Odisha state evacuated nearly 100,000 people from coastal areas on Tuesday in anticipation of the storm's arrival. The evacuation efforts were led by local authorities, who worked through the night to relocate residents to safer areas. According to the chief executive's office in Andhra Pradesh, no casualties had been reported as of early morning.
The storm brought powerful waves to the coastal region throughout the night, causing widespread damage. While the full extent of the damage was not immediately clear, residents reported that several trees had fallen and some huts and fences had been damaged. A 43-year-old shopkeeper in Kakinada city, Hussein, expressed relief that the damage was not more severe.
Residents in affected areas described scenes of flooding and destruction. A 40-year-old resident of Kakinada city, Sadiq, reported that many roads were inundated with water and that a friend had to take shelter in a higher temple. The IMD warned that the storm could cause widespread destruction, including the collapse of thatched roof huts and power outages.
The IMD issued a warning that Cyclone Arnab could cause significant damage to crops and infrastructure. The storm's strong winds and heavy rainfall posed a significant threat to the region, which is prone to cyclones. The Indian government has a history of responding quickly to natural disasters, but the full extent of the damage was not yet clear.
Cyclones are a recurring threat in the Bay of Bengal and northern Indian Ocean. The region is vulnerable to these powerful storms, which can cause significant damage and loss of life. The Indian government and local authorities have taken steps to mitigate the impact of the storm, including evacuating residents from coastal areas.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents and authorities are working to assess the damage and respond to the needs of those affected. The Indian government has deployed emergency services to the region, and relief efforts are underway. The full extent of the damage and the impact on local communities will become clearer in the coming days.
Key points
- Nearly 100,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha state in anticipation of the storm's arrival.
- The Indian Meteorological Department classified Cyclone Arnab as "very severe," with winds gusting up to 140 km/h.
- The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure and crops, with widespread flooding and destruction reported in affected areas.
