Kumar Bahukhandi
High waves batter a coastal stretch in this representational photograph accompanying the forecast of Cyclone Arnab’s expected landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Photo: Representational image.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible coastal inundation prompt emergency preparations, while Chhattisgarh directs collectors to take special precautions from October 27 to 29.
Key Highlights
- Cyclone Arnab is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, October 28.
- Andhra Pradesh prepares rescue teams and warns residents in vulnerable coastal areas.
- Odisha readies shelters and evacuation arrangements amid heavy rainfall warnings.
- Chhattisgarh prioritises relief camps, healthcare and the protection of vulnerable communities.
- West Bengal faces heavy rainfall forecasts for October 28–30 and squally coastal winds.
Raipur: Andhra Pradesh prepares for Cyclone Arnab’s expected landfall on Wednesday, October 28, as neighbouring Odisha and inland Chhattisgarh strengthen emergency arrangements and West Bengal faces warnings of heavy rainfall and squally winds. The India Meteorological Department is monitoring the storm over the Bay of Bengal, with authorities stepping up measures to protect vulnerable communities and maintain essential services.
Andhra Pradesh Readies Rescue and Relief Teams
The cyclone is expected to strengthen further before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in several coastal districts on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the IMD also warning of a possible rise in sea levels in low-lying coastal areas.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain on high alert, coordinate emergency operations and issue regular public warnings.
Ten National Disaster Response Force teams and eleven State Disaster Response Force teams have been kept ready for rescue and relief operations.
Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been asked to follow official instructions and move to safer locations when directed. Electricity personnel and equipment are also being readied to restore supply following possible disruptions.
Odisha Prepares Shelters and Evacuations
Odisha is preparing to move residents from low-lying areas to cyclone shelters as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall threatens southern parts of the state.
Schools and colleges in five districts are to remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precaution, according to Reuters.
Preparations in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh focus on reducing exposure to dangerous weather before the system reaches the coast.
Chhattisgarh Orders Special Precautions for October 27–29
In Chhattisgarh, a state government preparedness review directs all district collectors to remain alert and take special precautions between October 27 and 29.
Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Pingua chairs the review at Mahanadi Bhavan, placing zero loss of life at the centre of emergency planning.
Bijapur, Sukma, Dantewada, Bastar and Narayanpur receive particular attention. Officials are instructed to maintain round-the-clock relief camps, ensure medical services and arrange safe movement for vulnerable residents when necessary.
The directions include identifying pregnant women who may require assistance, assessing the safety of schoolchildren and Anganwadi children, and issuing agricultural advisories.
Departments are also asked to prepare for fallen trees, damage to electricity infrastructure and interruptions to telecommunications, while NDRF and SDRF teams remain ready at designated locations.
Bengal Faces Heavy Rain and Squally Coastal Winds
The IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in several West Bengal districts between October 28 and 30.
South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia are among the southern districts likely to receive heavy rain. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri could experience heavy rainfall on October 29 and 30.
Squally winds along and off the West Bengal coast are forecast to reach 35–45 kilometres per hour, occasionally gusting to 55 kilometres per hour, between October 27 and 29.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, while the warning also identifies a possible landslide risk in Darjeeling.
Landfall Forecast Remains Subject to Updates
The IMD’s forecast places the expected coastal crossing between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning, with sustained winds of 115–125 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour.
These wind estimates concern the coastal landfall zone and should not be applied to inland Chhattisgarh. The storm’s track, intensity and district-level impacts remain subject to updated forecasts.
