At least six people have been killed and electricity supplies remain disrupted in parts of India’s eastern coastline after Cyclone Arnab struck the region on Wednesday, bringing torrential rainfall and powerful winds.
The Times of India, citing local authorities, reported a higher death toll of nine, with fatalities attributed to electrocution, falling trees and collapsing houses.
The cyclone, classified as a very severe cyclonic storm by the India Meteorological Department, made landfall in Andhra Pradesh early Wednesday.
According to state Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the storm damaged at least 15,000 electricity poles, causing widespread disruption to power infrastructure.
Electricity has since been restored across most affected districts, although Konaseem and West Godavari continued to experience outages on Thursday.
Naidu said advances in forecasting technology had helped authorities identify areas most vulnerable to the cyclone, allowing them to take preventive measures and minimise casualties and property damage.
Authorities are continuing restoration efforts as affected communities recover from the storm’s impact.