VISAKHAPATNAM: Cyclone Arnab has caused widespread disruption across coastal Andhra Pradesh after crossing the coast on October 28, bringing destructive winds, heavy rain and damage to homes, roads, electricity infrastructure and agricultural land. At least three deaths have been reported, while more than 1.8 lakh people were reported evacuated across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Reports available on October 29 indicate that the cyclone weakened after moving inland. However, the risk of heavy rainfall, local flooding, damaged infrastructure and interruptions to essential services remains a concern in affected areas.

Three Deaths Reported as Damage Spreads

At least three people were reported dead in cyclone-related incidents. Media reports said two women died from electrocution in Visakhapatnam, while another person was killed by a falling tree in East Godavari district.

Strong winds and falling trees damaged vehicles, disrupted roads and affected electricity infrastructure. Reports also indicated agricultural losses across coastal districts, including damage to banana and coconut plantations.

The full extent of the damage will become clearer as district administrations complete their assessments and restoration operations progress.

More Than 1.8 Lakh People Evacuated

Authorities moved residents from vulnerable coastal areas to safer locations ahead of landfall. Reports on October 28 placed the combined number of people evacuated in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha at more than 1.8 lakh. State-wise totals may vary between reports and should be confirmed against official updates.

Emergency preparations included opening shelters, deploying disaster-response teams, restricting fishing activities and taking precautions around transport services. Residents in vulnerable areas were advised to follow instructions issued by local administrations.

IMD Tracks Weakening System After Landfall

The India Meteorological Department reported that Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. Published reports cited maximum sustained winds of 125–135 km/h, with stronger gusts during the landfall period.

Subsequent bulletins indicated that the system weakened as it moved inland. Even after a cyclone loses intensity, heavy rain can cause waterlogging, flooding in vulnerable locations and further disruption to transport and electricity services.

Residents should consult the latest India Meteorological Department updates and follow official district-level advisories.

Odisha Maintains Relief and Restoration Measures

Parts of Odisha also faced adverse weather and the risk of heavy rainfall associated with the system. State authorities reviewed relief arrangements and directed emergency services to remain prepared for rescue operations and restoration work.

Electricity, drinking water, road access and communications are among the essential services that require attention in affected areas. Damage assessments will help determine the support needed by households and farmers.

Relief Operations and Crop Assessments Take Priority

With the storm weakening, the immediate focus has shifted to clearing blocked roads, restoring electricity, assessing damaged homes and supporting affected communities. Agricultural losses could also affect farmers’ incomes and local supply chains.

Authorities are expected to refine damage and casualty figures as field assessments continue. Any revised figures should be checked against official state government and disaster-management updates before publication.

Public Safety Remains the Priority

Residents should avoid flooded roads, keep away from fallen electricity lines and damaged structures, and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities. People should not assume that all risks have ended simply because the storm has weakened.

The recovery effort will depend on the speed of restoration, reliable damage assessments and continued support for families and farmers affected by the cyclone.