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

UPDATE - follow-up to Deep depression intensifies into cyclonic storm 'Arnab'; rains continue in Tamil Nadu | LIVE: Cyclonic storm 'Arnab' has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is heading towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. The India Meteorological Department reports that the system moved westwards at 15 kmph and is expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm. Wind speeds may reach 125 kmph when it crosses the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by October 28.

Preparations

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered round-the-clock watch to prevent loss of life. Over 4,800 fishing boats have returned safely to Kakinada shores, with officials telling fisherfolk to stay off the sea. The power utility APEPDCL has set up 30 divisional and 11 circle-level control rooms, focusing particularly on vulnerable districts like Kakinada and Konaseema. Meanwhile, Odisha has also stepped up its readiness by sending eight ministers to vulnerable districts and mobilising emergency teams.

Context

Tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal often gather strength rapidly during this time of the year due to warm sea temperatures. Coastal administrations routinely restrict fishing boats and set up emergency control rooms to reduce risks before major storms make landfall.