Cyclone Arnab has made landfall near Narasapuram in Andhra Pradesh after approaching the coast south of Yanam. Heavy rainfall and powerful winds have disrupted normal life across coastal Andhra and North Andhra districts. Fallen trees, damaged electricity poles and waterlogging have been reported in several areas.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through a teleconference with senior officials and district collectors. He directed the administration to remain on high alert and take all necessary measures to prevent loss of life and property.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that no deaths had been reported so far. Naidu instructed district authorities to monitor vulnerable areas and speed up relief and restoration work.
Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Hit Coastal Districts
Visakhapatnam recorded 12 cm of rainfall while Anakapalli and Vizianagaram received around 9 cm each. Kakinada experienced winds reaching 120 to 140 kmph. Heavy rain continued in Amalapuram and other coastal areas.
In Konaseema district, around 6,000 electricity poles reportedly fell due to the storm. Hundreds of trees were uprooted across several districts, disrupting road traffic and power supply. Restoration teams have been deployed to clear roads and repair damaged infrastructure.
Chandrababu Naidu Directs Officials to Stay Alert
The Chief Minister instructed officials to monitor irrigation tanks and canals to prevent flooding and breaches. He also ordered teams to remove fallen trees and restore electricity once wind speeds decline.
People staying in cyclone shelters must return home only after officials confirm that conditions are safe.
The weather department issued a red alert for Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari and West Godavari districts. Other districts were placed under orange and yellow alerts. Authorities also warned of possible flash floods in several areas.
Waterlogging Disrupts Life in Kakinada
Heavy rain flooded parts of Kakinada, including Jagannathapuram, Gollapeta, Indira Nagar and Muttha Nagar. Water entered several homes, forcing residents to move to safer places. The ground floor of the Rajiv Gruhakalpa apartment complex in Jagannathapuram was inundated.
Strong winds also brought down the flagpole at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Chintanalanka village in Konaseema district. Narasapuram, Palakollu and Achanta experienced similar disruptions.
The state government has directed officials to prioritise public safety and restore essential services. Residents have been advised to follow official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
