India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh evacuated thousands of residents on Wednesday ahead of Cyclone Arnab’s landfall along the southeastern coast, where it brought heavy rainfall and powerful winds.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the landfall process had remained stationary for two hours.
“The chance of completely crossing the shore by afternoon. Strong gusty winds and rains continue along the shore. People should remain vigilant even today,” the authority said on X.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh shifted 84,396 people to 290 relief shelters, while a total of 2,199 shelters were designated across the state, All India Radio reported.
In neighbouring Odisha state, another 48,000 were moved to safer areas, according to All India Radio.
The cyclone, which began making landfall early on Wednesday, caused widespread disruption, with strong winds uprooting trees and damaging local infrastructure, the broadcaster said.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and the eastern state of Odisha also ordered school closures as a precautionary measure. Fishing activities were suspended, while rescue teams were kept on standby to respond to emergencies.
The administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also ordered schools to remain closed for two days beginning on Tuesday.
India’s Meteorological Department said a deep depression over the east-central and southeastern Bay of Bengal had moved westward and intensified into Cyclone Arnab.
