Cyclone Arnab: 5.7 lakh face evacuation risk

Cyclone Arnab is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. The storm is expected to bring maximum sustained winds of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, prompting authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to step up preparedness measures.Also read: Andhra on alert as depression over Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into severe cyclonic stormAndhra Pradesh has identified around 5.7 lakh people as vulnerable to the cyclone, with evacuations scheduled to begin on Monday evening, a senior state disaster management official told Reuters. The state has also asked boats at sea to return to shore and directed officials to ensure the speedy restoration of power in case of disruptions.According to IMD’s Bhubaneswar unit, the deep depression over the eastcentral and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph in the six hours leading up to 11.30 pm on October 25. It was centred near latitude 15.3°N and longitude 89.7°E, about 730 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 820 km from Kakinada and 990 km east of Bapatla.The weather agency said the system was likely to move northwestwards, intensify further and reach the westcentral Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28. Winds are expected to strengthen as the system develops into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall by the forenoon of October 28.Also read: 'Very severe storm': IMD issues red alert in Odisha ahead of cyclone ArnabAndhra Pradesh, Odisha step up preparednessAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness across departments to minimise the cyclone’s impact.During a review meeting on Monday, Naidu instructed departments to coordinate closely and ensure that residents do not face difficulties due to the anticipated severe weather. He also directed district administrations to establish control rooms and provide timely guidance to the public.In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state government had reviewed the potential impact of Cyclone Arnab and assigned specific responsibilities to departments to ensure preparedness ahead of the system’s expected landfall. Schools and colleges in five districts will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure. The state government is also preparing to evacuate residents of low-lying areas to cyclone shelters.The government has also banned fishing and restricted tourist entry to hills, waterfalls, dams and other scenic destinations across six vulnerable districts, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. The state has deployed 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, while eight ministers have been assigned to monitor preparedness. Authorities are shifting people from thatched houses and low-lying areas to shelters, moving pregnant women to health centres in advance and making special arrangements for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities. Government employees’ leave in the affected districts has also been cancelled, and farmers have been advised to harvest and safely store crops that are 80-85% mature.Fishermen in Tamil Nadu stay ashoreIn Tamil Nadu, mechanised boat fishermen in Thoothukudi district stayed ashore on Monday after a cyclone warning was issued, avoiding fishing trips as a precautionary measure.Authorities in the coastal states are monitoring the developing weather system as it moves towards the eastern coastline.