Published Oct 25, 2026 | 9:08 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 25, 2026 | 9:10 PM
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu chaired a review meeting at his Undavalli camp office.
Synopsis: Cyclone Arnab is expected to hit Coastal Andhra Pradesh by October 28, bringing heavy rain and winds up to 125 km/h. The IMD issued Red Alerts for multiple districts. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed preparedness, putting emergency teams on standby. Evacuation orders have been issued for people living in low-lying and flood-prone areas, including pregnant women.
Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of ‘Cyclone Arnab’ as a low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. Moving at a speed of 5 km/h, the system is currently centred 870 km from Visakhapatnam, 960 km from Kakinada, 1,060 km from Machilipatnam, and 1,130 km from Bapatla.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) estimates that its primary impact will be felt across central coastal Andhra and north Andhra. With the system likely to intensify into a deep depression by the night of Sunday, October 25, and escalate into a cyclone by October 26, the Andhra Pradesh government has issued advisories urging fishermen not to venture into the sea. They have been instructed to secure their boats and nets in protected areas.
Under the influence of the deep depression, light to moderate rain is expected in several districts across the state starting Sunday night. The Disaster Management Department warned of isolated, extremely heavy rainfall alongside heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple areas on October 27 and 28.
The IMD has issued a red alert in the Krishna and Bapatla districts for October 27, and in 13 districts for October 28.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain advised the public against taking selfies near surging beach waves under the cyclone’s influence.
Cyclone Arnab is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the West-Central Bay of Bengal by October 27 and transform into a very severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28. ‘Arnab’ is projected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the afternoon of October 28. With gale-force winds of 115–125 km/h expected during landfall, the public has been advised to remain on high alert.
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Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu chaired a review meeting at his Undavalli camp office on Sunday evening to assess the government’s preparedness for Cyclone Arnab. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, DGP Harish Gupta, district collectors, RTGS officials, and representatives from the Agriculture, Electricity, Irrigation, and Home departments.
Officials briefed the chief minister that 10 NDRF and 11 SDRF teams have been stationed across the state for relief and rescue operations. Naidu reviewed preparations concerning the evacuation of vulnerable populations, the setup of rehabilitation centres, food and water supply, medical assistance, and power restoration.
He directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and execute proactive measures to minimise public inconvenience.
The chief minister instructed authorities to ensure the safe return of all fishing boats currently at sea. He also directed irrigation officials to take proactive steps to channel the expected floodwaters from heavy rainfall into reservoirs.
Acknowledging current forecasts indicating the cyclone may cross the coast along the Konaseema-Yanam-Kakinada belt, the CM put the respective district collectors on high alert.
Given the anticipated rainfall intensity on October 27 and 28 –with forecasts predicting heavy to very heavy rain and isolated extremely heavy rain in north Andhra and central coastal districts– he directed officials to act pre-emptively to minimise property damage.
Anakapalli district is projected to record the highest average rainfall at 292.55 mm, followed by Alluri Sitharama Raju district at 281.17 mm, Visakhapatnam at 253.87 mm, and Srikakulam at 249.18 mm.
The statewide five-day average cumulative rainfall is estimated at 95 mm.
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In light of the impending cyclone, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Chakradhar Babu directed district officials to guarantee uninterrupted emergency medical services at government hospitals, primary health centres (PHCs), and village health clinics from October 27 to October 30.
He stressed that medical services for pregnant women, newborns, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses must not be disrupted.
Data for 26,768 expectant mothers with estimated delivery dates between October 23 and November 6 have been shared with District Medical and Health Officers.
High-priority evacuations to hospitals are underway for pregnant women in low-lying or flood-prone areas, as well as those classified as high-risk, those with severe anaemia or other complications, and individuals with a history of caesarean sections.
In areas prone to road disruptions, expectant mothers are being transferred to hospitals in advance. Transportation is being managed using the ‘Thalli Bidda Express’ and other designated emergency vehicles.
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Before the cyclone: The Disaster Management Department urges citizens to remain calm, avoid panic, and ignore rumours. Mobile phones should be kept fully charged, and official updates from the Disaster Management Authority, RTGS, and IMD should be closely monitored.
Valuable documents and certificates should be stored in waterproof covers, and an emergency kit with at least one week’s supply of food and drinking water should be prepared. Residents are also advised to check the structural safety of their roofs, doors, and windows.
During the cyclone: Individuals staying indoors should turn off the main power supply, disconnect gas lines, and keep all doors and windows securely shut. Residents in unsafe housing should move to relief centres in advance.
Consume only boiled and cooled drinking water. In case of sudden structural damage to a building, take cover immediately under a sturdy table or bench.
Residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas must relocate to elevated, safe shelters immediately when instructed by authorities. SDMA MD Prakhar Jain cautioned anyone outdoors to avoid damaged or dilapidated buildings and refrain from standing under trees, hoardings, or power poles.
After the cyclone: Citizens should not leave shelters to return home until an official all-clear announcement is made. Remain vigilant against snapped power lines and fallen poles.
Wet or water-damaged electronic appliances should only be operated after inspection by a qualified electrician.
Assuring citizens that all necessary arrangements are in place to safeguard the public, the SDMA advised residents to contact the toll-free numbers 112, 1070, and 18004250101 for emergency assistance or information.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
