Cyclone Arnab Latest Update: Andhra Pradesh landfall likely on October 28; Odisha to close schools in 6 districts | Today’s news
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday, October 26 that a deep depression over the central-east and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm “Arnab” (pronounced Ornab).
At 5:30 a.m. Monday, Cyclone Arnab was centered over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It was located approximately 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 610 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
The storm was also located 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 830 km east of Machilipatnam and 910 km east of Bapatla, all in Andhra Pradesh.
Read also | Odisha, Andhra on alert as Cyclone Arnab to make landfall on October 28
Cyclone Arnab is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm
The IMD said Cyclone Arnab is very likely to move west-northwest and intensify into a “severe cyclonic storm” over the central-west Bay of Bengal by midnight on October 26.
The system is expected to further strengthen into a “very strong cyclonic storm” over the same area on October 27.
According to the IMD forecast, Cyclone Arnab is very likely to move northwest and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a “very severe cyclonic storm” on Wednesday morning, October 28.
At landfall, the storm is expected to bring maximum sustained winds of 115-125 km/h, with gusts reaching 140 km/h.
Read also | IMD Weather Alert Today: ‘Red’ alert for heavy rains in Keralam, Tamil Nadu
Cyclone Arnab: Odisha CM deploys eight ministers to oversee preparedness
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned eight ministers to oversee cyclone preparedness in various places as the state steps up precautionary measures ahead of Cyclone Arnab.
The state government has identified Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur as vulnerable areas. Administrative and emergency response resources were mobilized to deal with any eventuality.
Disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas while district officials have been instructed to prioritize public safety, evacuation and emergency response.
The government also canceled leave for employees in designated districts and set up command centers to coordinate rescue and relief operations.
Although the cyclone is expected to make landfall along the coast of neighboring Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha government reiterated its commitment to a zero-casualty response and urged residents to follow official advisories.
Cyclone Arnab: Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centers to close in six districts of Odisha
Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centers in six vulnerable districts of Odisha will remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a precautionary measure against Cyclone Arnab.
The closures will cover Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur, where authorities have stepped up preparations to minimize the impact of the approaching storm.
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The IMD predicts that the cyclone could make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday. Parts of Odisha could also be affected as the weather system moves inland.
The state government has mobilized disaster response teams, prepared cyclone shelters and initiated precautionary evacuations in vulnerable areas. Residents have been advised to follow official government announcements for further updates on weather conditions and safety measures.
Cyclone Arnab: Odisha bans sea fishing, restricts tourist access in six districts
The Odisha government has banned sea fishing and restricted tourist access to hills, waterfalls, dams and other scenic spots in six threatened areas as Cyclone Arnab nears the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The restrictions apply to Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur, where authorities have mobilized resources and strengthened precautionary measures.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned eight ministers to monitor preparations ahead of the cyclone at various places, officials said.
Rescue teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), fire and emergency services and police have been deployed in vulnerable areas.
Authorities are also preparing cyclone shelters and arranging evacuations from low-lying areas as part of the state’s zero-casualty strategy.
