AMARAVATI: 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 shoreline, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The weather department reported that the cyclone’s northern spiral band had moved further inland, with the landfall process expected to continue for another three hours.
The storm was positioned over the west central Bay of Bengal, approximately 30 km east of Narsapur, 45 km south southwest of Yanam and 70 km south southwest of Kakinada.
The cyclone was expected to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near the south of Yanam.
The IMD warned that the storm could generate sustained winds of up to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph, during the following three hours.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds affected several areas of Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema districts. Fallen trees were also reported at multiple locations as the storm continued to affect coastal areas.
Residents were advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from waterlogged locations as the cyclone moved across the coastline.
In Kakinada district, police rescued four people stranded near the Bombay Katta area after heavy rainfall and seawater inundated the surrounding locality. The group had been unable to leave their accommodation and contacted the police for assistance.
Three other people were reported stranded at the Central Water Commission godowns in Kakinada Anchorage Port. Flooding and a power outage prevented them from leaving the premises.
Police urged residents to avoid flooded roads and other potentially dangerous areas while emergency operations continued.
People trapped by floodwaters or requiring urgent assistance were advised to contact the emergency helpline Dial 112 or the Kakinada Police Control Room.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation as the cyclone’s landfall process progressed along the Andhra Pradesh coast, with strong winds, heavy rainfall and localised flooding posing risks to coastal communities.
