New Delhi/Amaravati, 28 October (H.S.): Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab began making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts early Wednesday, bringing torrential rainfall, strong winds and rising sea levels to coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm was practically stationary over the west-central Bay of Bengal near the coast and that the landfall process was expected to continue for several hours.

The cyclone was maintaining a core intensity of 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph, according to the IMD. The storm had moved northwestwards at around 3 kmph over the preceding three hours and was expected to move slowly northwestwards before turning north-northwestwards.

The IMD warned that a storm surge of 1 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide was likely to inundate low-lying coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh during the following three hours, with the threat expected to decrease thereafter.

Visakhapatnam Records Heavy Rainfall

Coastal districts reported heavy rainfall as the cyclone approached. IMD stations recorded 216.9 mm of rainfall in Visakhapatnam between 8.30 am on Tuesday and 5.30 am on Wednesday. Kalingapatnam received 147.5 mm, Tuni 123.3 mm, Kakinada 118.4 mm and Machilipatnam 115.2 mm during the same period. Narsapur recorded 48.6 mm, Bapatla 15.9 mm and Ongole 0.4 mm.

Strong winds were reported in Visakhapatnam, where a tree was uprooted near Andhra University's College of Engineering for Women. High tides and strong winds were also witnessed along Ramakrishna Beach. Several trees were reported uprooted in Yanam, which lies close to the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Residents Seek Assistance

Residents in affected areas reported damage to houses and property. A resident of Kakinada said the cyclone had damaged homes and appealed to the government for financial assistance and support to rebuild. The extent of the damage was not immediately available.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu continued to receive updates from officials on the cyclone's movement and the state's response arrangements. The government had earlier directed officials to prioritise the safety of residents in vulnerable areas and maintain readiness for relief and rescue operations.

Flight Operations Affected

Flight services at three airports in Andhra Pradesh were suspended, while airlines cancelled services as a precaution against strong winds and adverse weather conditions. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation reviewed airport operations and airline preparedness ahead of the cyclone's passage. Services to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Odisha were expected to face disruption, with possible delays elsewhere depending on weather conditions.

The IMD said heavy rain and strong winds could continue even after the landfall process was completed. Authorities remained on alert as the cyclone moved inland, with further updates expected on rainfall, wind conditions and damage in the affected districts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar