Cyclone Arnab Threatens Andhra Pradesh Municipal Polls as Storm Nears Coast

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha is monitoring Cyclone Arnab as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, threatening urban local body elections scheduled for November 1. Mr. Punetha discussed emergency plans with State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain. The India Meteorological Department reports that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal strengthened into Cyclone Arnab on Monday, October 26, 2026. At 5:30 a.m. on Monday, the storm was centered about 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 730 km from Kakinada, 830 km from Machilipatnam, and 910 km from Bapatla, moving west at 15 kmph.

Storm Path

The storm is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday midnight and into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27. The IMD predicts it will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 115 to 125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph. A red alert has been issued for the Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts.

Election Status

Mr. Punetha expressed hope that the government can restore normalcy within two days after the storm passes, allowing the municipal polls to proceed on schedule. However, if the cyclone causes severe damage, the Election Commission will review the situation and decide whether to postpone the voting.

Context

Severe cyclones regularly form in the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon season, often causing widespread disruptions to public infrastructure and local schedules. Election commissions must balance administrative timelines with public safety when natural disasters strike close to polling dates.