Indian authorities have evacuated at least 89,000 people from vulnerable coastal communities as Cyclone Arnab approaches the country’s eastern coastline, bringing the threat of destructive winds, intense rainfall and widespread flooding.
The powerful storm has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to reach the coast of Andhra Pradesh by Wednesday morning, according to India’s meteorological authorities.
More than 12 million people live along the cyclone’s projected path, raising concerns about the potential impact on homes, transport networks and essential infrastructure.
Emergency Evacuations Underway
According to the Associated Press, officials in Andhra Pradesh have moved tens of thousands of residents away from low-lying and flood-prone areas as weather conditions deteriorate.
Authorities have established more than 2,000 cyclone shelters across 20 districts to accommodate people seeking safety.
Emergency alerts have also been sent to millions of mobile phones, warning residents about the approaching storm and urging them to follow evacuation instructions.
In neighboring Odisha, officials are preparing to evacuate approximately 48,000 people from areas that could also experience dangerous conditions.
Heavy Rain and Dangerous Winds
India’s Meteorological Department has classified Arnab as a very severe cyclonic storm.
The system was moving at approximately 20 kilometers per hour on Tuesday, with forecasts warning of extremely heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds along parts of the eastern coast.
Some train services have already been canceled as the storm begins affecting coastal districts.
Authorities have also secured more than 30,000 fishing boats to reduce risks at sea.
Medical Teams and Emergency Shelters Prepared
Nearly 1,100 medical teams have been deployed to support emergency operations and provide assistance to residents affected by the storm.
Officials are particularly concerned about communities in coastal and low-lying areas, where heavy rainfall and storm-driven flooding could make roads impassable and isolate settlements.
The coming hours will be critical as emergency teams work to complete evacuations before the cyclone reaches land.
Millions Await the Storm’s Arrival
Cyclones regularly threaten communities along the Bay of Bengal, where densely populated coastal regions are vulnerable to flooding and destructive winds.
Although India’s early-warning and evacuation systems have improved over the years, powerful storms can still cause severe damage and disrupt the lives of millions.
Authorities are urging residents in affected districts to remain in designated safe locations and monitor official weather updates as Cyclone Arnab approaches the coast.