Cyclone Arnab Strikes Southern India, Leaving Three Dead and Thousands Displaced

KAKINADA: A powerful cyclone, named Arnab, has wreaked havoc on India’s southeastern coast, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals as it made landfall on Wednesday. The cyclone, classified as a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), brought winds reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour and gusts of 150 kph, causing significant destruction across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

According to officials, the storm unleashed torrential rains, with some areas recording up to 30 centimeters of rainfall. As the cyclone weakened into a ‘deep depression’ by Wednesday afternoon, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reported that three lives were lost and 31 homes sustained damage. Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela expressed condolences for the victims and highlighted the ongoing recovery efforts.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu commended the tireless efforts of emergency responders who worked through the night to assist affected residents. In a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated approximately 50,000 people in Andhra Pradesh and an additional 48,000 in neighboring Odisha to safer locations, underscoring the storm’s potential threat to life and property.

As recovery operations continue, local officials are assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts. The IMD has advised residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions may still pose risks in the coming days. The government is expected to hold meetings to discuss further safety measures and support for those impacted by the cyclone.