Cyclone Arnab Nears Andhra Coast; Red Alert Issued, Evacuations Under WayCyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal and is heading towards the east coast of India. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert across Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 140 kilometres per hour.
Landfall is expected along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. In response to the impending disaster, National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed across multiple states, while the Indian Navy and Coast Guard remain on standby.
Coastal administrations have initiated evacuations from low-lying areas, set up temporary relief shelters, and declared holidays for schools and colleges. Fishermen have been strictly directed to avoid venturing out into the sea as authorities aim for zero casualties.