Cyclone Arnab 89,000 Evacuated in Andhra Pradesh as Storm Nears Coast

Cyclone Arnab nears Andhra Pradesh as evacuations, school closures and train cancellations continue ahead of forecast landfall.

Cyclone Arnab Update: 89,000 Evacuated in Andhra Pradesh as Very Severe Storm Nears Coast

By News National Editorial Team

Andhra Pradesh | October 27, 2026

Andhra Pradesh has intensified emergency preparations as Cyclone Arnab strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, prompting mass evacuations, school closures, fishing restrictions and railway disruptions. Authorities reported that at least 89,000 people had been evacuated from vulnerable coastal areas by Tuesday, October 27.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the cyclone would cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near the Bapatla–Visakhapatnam stretch, close to Yanam. Earlier forecasts pointed to landfall during Wednesday morning, October 28. However, a later report from the Associated Press, citing a state disaster-management official, said the cyclone could reach the coast as early as 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. local time. Residents should therefore follow the latest official IMD bulletins rather than rely on a single forecast time.

Cyclone Arnab: Latest storm update

The storm has been moving towards India's eastern coastline, bringing strong winds, rough seas and heavy rainfall to parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh. The IMD's forecast cited by news reports indicated sustained winds of around 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph during the expected crossing.

A storm surge could raise coastal water levels by approximately one to two metres above the astronomical tide in vulnerable locations, particularly around the Kakinada and Yanam coasts. Low-lying areas may face seawater inundation, while intense rainfall could cause waterlogging and flooding.

The cyclone's track, wind intensity and landfall timing can change. The IMD's latest cyclone bulletin and district-wise warnings remain the primary sources for operational updates.

89,000 people evacuated; rescue teams on standby

State authorities have begun moving residents from low-lying and flood-prone settlements to safer locations. According to the Associated Press report published on October 27, at least 89,000 people had been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh.

More than 2,000 cyclone shelters were reportedly arranged across 20 districts. Authorities also secured more than 30,000 fishing boats and deployed nearly 1,100 medical teams to support emergency response operations.

The administration has been preparing for power interruptions, road blockages, flooding and damage to infrastructure. Residents in vulnerable areas should cooperate with evacuation instructions from district collectors, police and disaster-response personnel. People should not wait for water levels to rise before leaving an area when officials have ordered evacuation.

District-wise weather alerts

Reports published on October 27 identified several districts facing the highest rainfall risk. The alert categories below reflect those reports and must be checked against the latest IMD district-wise warning before publication or travel.

Red alert reported for extremely heavy rainfall: Anakapalli, Kakinada, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari and Eluru, along with Yanam.

Other districts under weather alerts: Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Visakhapatnam, NTR, Krishna, Guntur and Bapatla were among the areas reported under orange-level warnings at different points on October 27.

Warnings can differ by date and may be revised as the cyclone moves. Residents should check the IMD's district-wise warning page and district administration announcements for their precise location.

Schools closed in affected districts

Educational institutions in several districts have been ordered to close as a precaution. Reports published on October 27 listed closures in areas including East Godavari, Kakinada, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Krishna, NTR, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Eluru, Anakapalli and Polavaram.

The exact dates and institutions covered vary by local order. Parents and students should confirm announcements issued by their district collector or school before travelling. School buildings may also be used as emergency shelters where authorities arrange it.

Train services disrupted

South Coast Railway reportedly listed 53 train services for cancellation across October 27 and 28 combined. The affected routes include services connecting Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Machilipatnam, Narasapur, Kakinada Port, Visakhapatnam and nearby destinations.

Passengers should check the latest status through official Indian Railways channels or the railway enquiry service before leaving home. The reported total refers to cancellations across both dates, not necessarily 53 cancellations on October 28 alone. Services and routes may be revised as weather conditions change.

Fishing restrictions and coastal safety

Fishing operations have been restricted amid dangerous sea conditions. Fishermen should not venture into the sea while restrictions remain in force, and anyone still at sea should follow Coast Guard and local maritime authorities' instructions.

People should stay away from beaches, sea walls, river mouths, flooded roads and areas exposed to strong waves. Do not attempt to cross flowing water or drive through flooded underpasses. Loose outdoor objects should be secured, and residents should avoid fallen electrical wires and damaged poles.

What residents should do now

• Follow evacuation orders immediately and move to an authorised shelter if instructed.

• Keep drinking water, essential medicines, identification documents, a torch, a charged phone and power bank ready.

• Keep children, older adults and people requiring assistance with family members or designated support teams.

• Charge devices and prepare for temporary power and communications interruptions.

• Avoid unnecessary travel and check train status before heading to a station.

• Rely on official IMD, district administration, police and disaster-management updates; do not forward unverified claims or old cyclone-track maps.

For immediate danger or urgent rescue assistance in India, call 112, the national emergency response number. Give responders your precise location and the nature of the emergency. Follow any additional helpline numbers issued by the district administration.

Stay alert as the cyclone approaches

Cyclone Arnab presents a serious weather threat to parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rain, damaging winds and possible coastal inundation. Evacuations and emergency preparations are under way, but the forecast path and timing remain subject to change.

News National will update this report when verified information from the IMD and government authorities becomes available. Residents should prioritise official warnings and personal safety over unverified social-media messages.

Editorial note: This report reflects information available on October 27, 2026. Forecasts, district alerts, school closures and transport arrangements can change rapidly. Check official updates before republishing this article or making travel and safety decisions.