Cyclone Arnab weakens after Andhra Pradesh landfall as state reports zero deaths

UPDATE - follow-up to Very severe cyclone Arnab crosses Andhra coast, weakens into severe cyclonic storm: IMD | LIVE: Cyclone Arnab has weakened into a severe storm after completing its landfall process over the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts.

Landfall Details

The India Meteorological Department stated the system crossed the coast between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. near Yanam, with maximum sustained winds of 125 to 135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph. Kannuripalem in Anakapalli district recorded the highest rainfall in the State at 263 mm over 24 hours, while Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and other coastal districts also experienced extremely heavy downpours.

Relief And Rescue

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed that no loss of life has been reported so far, crediting advance precautionary measures taken by the administration. Over 84,000 people were moved to safety across hundreds of relief shelters, and schools in 16 coastal districts remain closed. Meanwhile, police and disaster response teams rescued four persons stranded in a godown in Kakinada and worked to clear fallen trees blocking roads.

Context

Coastal regions in India frequently face severe cyclonic storms during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, requiring extensive advance evacuation and disaster response coordination. State governments typically rely on specialized agencies like the NDRF and SDRF alongside local volunteers to minimize casualties and restore basic infrastructure after landfall.