Severe Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Kakinada and Yanam in Puducherry early Wednesday, bringing destructive winds, torrential rainfall and widespread disruption across coastal districts, according to authorities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the landfall process began on Tuesday night in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district and the Narsapuram areas of West Godavari district.
In a bulletin issued at 6am on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority chairman Prakhar Jain said the landfall process was continuing. The cyclone’s eye was located approximately 30 km from Narsapur, 55 km from Yanam, 70 km from Kakinada and 90 km from Machilipatnam.
Gusty winds reaching 125-135 kmph were reported in Kakinada, Konaseema and West Godavari districts, with similar conditions expected to persist for the following three hours, Jain said.
Reports received by the state secretariat’s control room indicated uprooted trees, fallen electricity poles, damaged roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas and widespread power outages across coastal Andhra Pradesh, from Srikakulam in the north to Bapatla in the south.
Visakhapatnam recorded the highest rainfall, receiving 200.20 mm by midnight on Tuesday. Kothavalasa in Vizianagaram district recorded 162.75 mm.
Sea waves in the Kakinada and Yanam regions reportedly reached heights of 1.5 to 2.5 metres, while some affected coastal stretches experienced significantly higher waves.
Rail and Road Transport Disrupted
Cyclone-related weather conditions disrupted transport services across Andhra Pradesh. Authorities cancelled 63 trains and rescheduled another 15. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation cancelled 160 services in Visakhapatnam district.
The state government also imposed restrictions on night-time travel in Visakhapatnam and several other districts from Tuesday night as a precautionary measure.
Road connectivity was affected at several locations, including sections of National Highway 16 between Kathipudi and Ongole, where traffic movement came to a standstill.
Visakhapatnam Faces Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
Visakhapatnam experienced heavy rainfall and powerful winds, with seawater advancing towards parts of the city. Uprooted trees blocked roads, damaged vehicles and disrupted electricity supplies.
Extremely heavy rainfall was reported across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada and East Godavari districts.
Residents in coastal settlements faced the combined risks of flooding, strong winds and rising sea levels as emergency response operations continued.
Kakinada and Konaseema Report Coastal Damage
Kakinada and Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema districts were among the worst-affected areas as the cyclone intensified on Tuesday night.
Heavy rain and powerful winds brought normal life to a standstill, while rough seas battered coastal stretches. Reports indicated waves reaching heights of five to eight metres at some locations.
At Kothapatnam near Uppada, a protective wall constructed with boulders was severely damaged by the waves. Several motorcyclists reportedly lost their balance while travelling along coastal roads amid strong winds and sea spray. Six people sustained minor injuries.
Uppada–Kakinada Beach Road Damaged
Large stones installed as part of coastal erosion-control measures were dislodged and scattered across the Uppada–Kakinada Beach Road, obstructing traffic.
Hundreds of electricity poles collapsed in Kakinada and Konaseema districts, while hoardings were brought down by strong winds. Several mobile towers were also tilted or damaged, and power disruptions affected mobile connectivity in multiple areas.
At Allavaram, seawater reached the compound wall of an ONGC facility. Tin-roofed sheds were blown away in several villages, while poultry farms suffered extensive damage.
Yanam also reported fallen trees and electricity poles. A rehabilitation centre housing evacuated residents was inundated, prompting officials to move occupants to the first floor as water entered the ground floor.
Thousands Evacuated to Relief Centres
Authorities moved residents from vulnerable and low-lying areas of Kakinada and Konaseema districts to relief and rehabilitation centres as the cyclone’s impact intensified.
In West Godavari district, several trees were uprooted in Narsapuram, while power failures left the town and neighbouring villages without electricity.
Approximately 3,000 people from Chinna Lanka, PM Lanka, East Thallu and Vemuladeevi villages were shifted to rehabilitation centres as a precaution against severe weather and possible coastal inundation.
Coastal Districts Remain on High Alert
Coastal districts remained on high alert as Cyclone Arnab’s landfall process continued. The combination of destructive winds, torrential rainfall, high waves and seawater intrusion had caused widespread disruption to roads, transport services, electricity networks, homes and agricultural areas.
Evacuation operations continued in vulnerable settlements, while electricity department personnel worked to restore damaged infrastructure.
Authorities urged residents in affected areas to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel and remain in designated shelters until conditions improved.
