Authorities in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh evacuated more than 84,000 people to emergency shelters on Wednesday as Cyclone Arnab brought torrential rainfall and powerful winds to the country’s southeastern coastline, uprooting trees and damaging infrastructure.
The cyclone began making landfall early Wednesday, prompting emergency measures across vulnerable coastal districts as officials warned residents to remain indoors and exercise caution.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reported that the landfall process had remained stationary for approximately two hours, prolonging the impact of strong winds and heavy rainfall along the coast.
“The chance of completely crossing the shore by afternoon. Strong gusty winds and rains continue along the shore. People should remain vigilant even today,” the authority said in a statement posted on X.
According to All India Radio, authorities relocated 84,396 residents to 290 relief shelters as part of precautionary evacuation measures.
A total of 2,199 shelters had been designated across Andhra Pradesh to accommodate people affected by the storm and provide emergency assistance.
The cyclone disrupted normal life in several coastal areas, with powerful winds uprooting trees and damaging local infrastructure, the broadcaster reported.
As a precaution, authorities in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha ordered schools to close, while fishing operations were suspended because of hazardous conditions at sea.
Emergency response and rescue teams were placed on standby to assist residents and respond to incidents arising from the severe weather.
The administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also announced a two-day closure of educational institutions beginning Tuesday as the weather system developed over the Bay of Bengal.
India’s Meteorological Department said the storm originated as a deep depression over the east-central and southeastern Bay of Bengal before moving westward and intensifying into Cyclone Arnab.
Officials continued monitoring the cyclone’s progress on Wednesday, urging coastal communities to remain alert as strong winds and heavy rainfall persisted during the landfall process.