New Delhi, 27 October (H.S.): Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal stepped up preparedness on Tuesday as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab moved towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting evacuations, school closures, fishing restrictions and the deployment of disaster response teams. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm was centred over the Bay of Bengal, about 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, at 5.30 am and was moving at 22 kmph.

The cyclone is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by Wednesday forenoon. The IMD has forecast maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph during landfall, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.

Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed preparedness and directed officials to issue timely warnings, ensure the availability of essential commodities and restore power supply promptly wherever it is disrupted. The state government has released Rs 27 crore to 20 districts for relief operations. Officials said 4,711 pregnant women were being shifted from vulnerable areas to healthcare facilities, while all fishermen who had ventured into the sea had returned safely. Schools and other educational institutions in affected areas have been closed, beaches shut to visitors and movement on coastal roads scheduled to be restricted.

Fifteen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been stationed at vulnerable locations across the state, with additional teams positioned at Yanam, Krishna district and Visakhapatnam. Officials have also assessed the possibility of several reservoirs reaching full storage capacity following the expected rainfall.

Odisha

The state has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in six districts and a yellow alert for 16 others. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in six southern districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deputed eight ministers to monitor preparations, while disaster response teams have been positioned in vulnerable areas.

Authorities are shifting residents of low-lying areas and thatched houses to shelters. Pregnant women are being moved to healthcare facilities, and farmers have been advised to harvest and safely store crops that are 80-85 per cent mature.

Jharkhand

The state has issued successive rainfall alerts from Wednesday through Friday, with forecasts of heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in several districts. District administrations have been directed to remain vigilant against waterlogging, overflowing water bodies, possible flooding and damage to weak structures and standing crops.

West Bengal

Heavy rain is forecast in parts of south Bengal on Wednesday and Thursday, while the sub-Himalayan districts may receive heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. The IMD has warned of possible landslides in Darjeeling and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea because of squally winds along the coast.

Centre Reviews Preparedness

The National Crisis Management Committee reviewed the overall preparedness in New Delhi on Tuesday. The NDRF has deployed teams and kept additional personnel on standby, while the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have readied rescue and relief resources to respond to emergencies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar