Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the storm crossed near Narsapur in West Godavari district, bringing maximum sustained winds of 125-135 kmph and gusts up to 150 kmph.
Satellite Imagery Reveals Immense Scale
The true magnitude of Cyclone Arnab was captured by India’s INSAT-3DS weather satellite. Images recorded between 9:30 am and 9:57 am IST on Wednesday showed dense cloud bands spiraling outwards from the cyclone’s core, blanketing a substantial portion of the Indian subcontinent and the Bay of Bengal. This vast cloud shield underscored forecasters' warnings of widespread rain, damaging winds, and potential flooding extending far beyond the immediate landfall zone.
Impact and Evacuation Efforts
Prior to Arnab's arrival, authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha initiated extensive evacuation efforts, moving over 180,000 people to shelters. Andhra Pradesh alone accounted for more than 84,000 evacuees. Initial reports from coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Odisha detailed significant disruption, including uprooted trees, damaged power infrastructure, and transport disruptions.
Tragically, officials confirmed three fatalities in Andhra Pradesh, with two deaths specifically linked to electrocution from severed live wires. Additionally, 31 houses were reported damaged in the state. Odisha, which evacuated over 30,000 residents, experienced uprooted trees but no major damage or casualties in early assessments.
Storm Weakens as it Moves Inland
Following landfall, the IMD announced that Cyclone Arnab has weakened into a severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to continue moving north-northwestwards, gradually losing strength over the next several hours as it progresses further inland. The department has issued warnings for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of southern Odisha, highlighting risks of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Residents in affected coastal belts have been urged to remain indoors, avoid low-lying and flood-prone zones, and adhere to advisories issued by state disaster-management authorities.