Cyclone Arnab intensifies over Bay of Bengal as states step up safety measures

UPDATE - follow-up to Cyclone Arnab to cross Andhra coast by October 28; rains continue in Tamil Nadu: The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Arnab, moving westwards at a speed of 15 kmph. The system is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm, bringing maximum wind speeds of 115 to 125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph.

Official Prep

Odisha has mobilised personnel and equipment while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi deputed eight ministers to vulnerable districts. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. Meanwhile, educational institutions in Palakkad closed on Monday due to heavy rain, and fishing along the Kakinada coast has been suspended.

Context

Tropical cyclones frequently form in the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, requiring extensive advance planning by state disaster management authorities to evacuate coastal residents and prevent loss of life.