A very severe cyclonic storm, identified as ‘Arnab’, commenced its landfall process near Narsapur town in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh at approximately 1.30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. India Meteorological Department (IMD) experts have cautioned that the landfall process is expected to be a prolonged event. Consequently, authorities have stated that a precise determination of the final landfall point can only be confirmed once the entire sequence concludes.
The IMD reported that wind intensities near the cyclone's center reached speeds of 125 to 135 kmph, with gusts hitting up to 150 kmph. Meteorologists anticipate a reduction in wind velocity roughly four hours after the initial landfall. Furthermore, the agency has issued warnings regarding a potential storm surge of 1.5 to 2.5 meters in the Kakinada and Yanam regions, heightening the risk of inundation in low-lying coastal areas.
In Kakinada, which was previously cited as a possible landfall site, wind speeds increased significantly around 1.30 a.m. Local observations noted that conditions remained relatively calm for several hours before the cyclone's peripheral winds arrived. In the village of Uppada, the force of the sea pushed large stone boulders onto coastal roads. Reports from the area indicate that several thatched houses facing the shoreline have collapsed, though inhabitants were moved to relief camps beforehand, ensuring their safety.
The impact of the weather system has been felt across multiple districts. In Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, numerous coconut trees have been uprooted, blocking roads and necessitating clearance operations by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel. Fishermen in Kakinada reported significant losses, as multiple boats, which had been secured with ropes, were washed away into a nearby creek. Despite the property damage, officials have confirmed that no human loss of life has been reported in the Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, or West Godavari districts.
Simultaneously, the northern parts of Andhra Pradesh have been experiencing a deluge. Districts including Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram faced relentless rainfall between Tuesday morning and early Wednesday. Data indicates extremely heavy precipitation across several areas, with Kannuripalem in Anakapalli district recording 231.5 mm of rainfall. Other areas, including the 16th Police Battalion region in Visakhapatnam Rural and Chemalapalle, also saw rainfall exceeding 220 mm.
Records show that at least 12 meteorological stations across Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli registered more than 200 mm of rain during the period. Additionally, 188 stations across Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, and neighboring coastal districts recorded very heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) continues to maintain a high-alert status for heavy rains and strong winds for districts including Polavaram, Krishna, NTR, and Eluru.
As the storm progresses, the administration remains focused on safety and disaster mitigation. Flight operations and train services have been impacted due to the adverse weather conditions. The state government and emergency agencies are monitoring the situation closely, prioritizing the evacuation of residents in vulnerable coastal zones and preparing for recovery efforts as the storm continues its path across the region.
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