India Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall: Massive Evacuations and Severe Damage

India cyclone Arnab has left at least three people dead and caused widespread damage along the eastern coast after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, 2026. Strong winds and heavy rainfall damaged homes, farmland, and public infrastructure. Authorities also moved thousands of residents to safer locations as the storm approached.

India cyclone Arnab struck Andhra Pradesh

India Cyclone Arnab Crosses Andhra Pradesh Coast

Arnab developed over the Bay of Bengal before reaching the Andhra Pradesh coast early Wednesday. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified it as a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 125–135 km/h and gusts reaching 150 km/h.

The system weakened after moving inland, but its effects extended across coastal districts. Heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in low-lying neighborhoods, while fallen trees and damaged power lines disrupted daily life. 

Officials continued monitoring weather conditions as the storm moved away from the coast.

India cyclone Arnab caused widespread damage (Photo: Mahesh Kumar A./AP)

The cyclone caused fatalities in Andhra Pradesh, including two women who were electrocuted in Visakhapatnam and one person killed by a falling tree in East Godavari.

State officials reported damage to at least 180 houses and around 220 fallen trees. 

Power disruptions affected several communities, while blocked roads created additional challenges for residents and emergency crews.

Agriculture also suffered significant losses. An estimated 79,000 acres of crops across 14 coastal districts were affected.

Banana and coconut plantations in Konaseema were among the areas hit, raising concerns about farmers’ incomes and the cost of restoring damaged fields.

Residents in Visakhapatnam can check rainfall intensity, wind conditions, and precipitation radar on GoWeatherRadar to monitor local weather changes.

Authorities evacuated more than 180,000 people across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha before the cyclone arrived. 

Emergency response teams were deployed to assist affected residents, clear debris, and support the restoration of essential services.

Transport networks also faced disruption. Some train services were canceled, schools were closed, and operations at three airports in Andhra Pradesh were suspended. 

Fishermen were advised to avoid going to sea because of hazardous coastal conditions.

The IMD warned that heavy rain and strong winds could continue in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. 

Flooding remained a concern in vulnerable areas, particularly where drainage systems and roads had been affected.

References

1. AP News

2. ABC News

3. Al Jazeera