Amaravati, October 28: The landfall process of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab continued along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, with the storm’s centre remaining close to the shoreline, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
According to the IMD, the cyclone’s northern spiral band had moved further inland, and the landfall process was expected to continue for approximately three more hours.
The storm was located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, close to the Andhra Pradesh coast, near latitude 16.4 degrees north and longitude 82.0 degrees east. It was positioned around 30 kilometres east of Narsapur, 45 kilometres south-southwest of Yanam, 70 kilometres south-southwest of Kakinada and 90 kilometres east-northeast of Machilipatnam.
The IMD said Cyclone Arnab was likely to continue moving northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near the south of Yanam.
The system was forecast to maintain maximum sustained wind speeds of up to 135 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 150 kilometres per hour during the following three hours.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds affected several areas, including Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema districts. District officials also reported fallen trees at various locations due to the cyclone’s impact.
Police Rescue Stranded People in Kakinada
In Kakinada district, police rescued four people who became stranded in floodwaters near the Bombay Katta area following heavy rainfall and seawater inundation.
According to a district police press release, the four individuals had reported for duty in the morning but remained trapped until night after floodwaters surrounded their accommodation, leaving them unable to leave.
After receiving information about their situation, police launched a rescue operation and safely evacuated all four people. They were subsequently provided transport to return home.
Three People Stranded at Anchorage Port
Meanwhile, three people were reported stranded at the Central Water Commission (CWC) godowns at Kakinada Anchorage Port after floodwater and seawater inundated the premises.
The flooding also caused a complete disruption of electricity, leaving workers unable to exit the facility. Night-shift personnel, the operations team and LPA staff were among those affected, police said.
G Raju, an employee of a private company, said he was trapped by floodwaters while working the afternoon shift when the cyclone struck the area. He said the rescue team eventually reached the location and brought those stranded to safety.
Another resident, C Durga Prasad of Nadakuduru, said he was caught in floodwaters while travelling towards the Kakinada bus stop. He expressed gratitude to the police for responding to information from local residents and carrying out the rescue.
Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
Police have urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement and stay away from flooded roads and waterlogged areas.
People trapped in dangerous situations or requiring emergency assistance have been advised to contact Dial 112 or the Kakinada Police Control Room.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as Cyclone Arnab’s landfall process progresses along the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
