Cyclone Arnab approaches India's east coast; thousands evacuated

Cyclone Arnab, which formed and intensified over the Bay of Bengal, is moving towards the eastern coast of India. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for Andhra Pradesh and Odisha for October 28 and 29. The storm is expected to make landfall on October 28 between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, according to reports.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have identified approximately 5.7 lakh people in vulnerable areas who require evacuation. According to Indian authorities, nearly 50,000 people had already been moved to shelters, while other reports indicate that tens of thousands have been evacuated from vulnerable coastal areas.

The Andhra Pradesh government has instructed district administrations to establish control rooms, issue regular public alerts and coordinate emergency response measures. One coastal state announced it would close schools in some districts for two days in preparation for the cyclone.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for multiple districts including Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Bargarh and Nuapada on October 28. Wind gusts of up to 140 kph are expected with the storm's arrival.

The transportation network has been disrupted as a precaution. Long-distance express trains connecting Telangana with coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are among 64 train services that have been cancelled on October 27 and 28, with passengers advised to check the status of their journeys before travel.

In neighbouring Nepal, authorities have cautioned tourists against visiting high-altitude areas amid concerns about heavy rain, snowstorms and avalanches associated with the cyclonic system.