The cyclone “Arnab” over the Bay of Bengal has strengthened further into a severe cyclonic storm. Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain said the storm is moving rapidly towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to have a significant impact on the state. He warned that it is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours.
The storm is currently centred over the east-central and west-central Bay of Bengal and has been moving westwards at 17 km per hour over the past six hours. According to Jain, it lies about 490 km from both Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur in Odisha, 560 km from Kakinada, 660 km from Machilipatnam and 730 km from Bapatla. It is expected to move west-northwest until tomorrow evening before turning north-westwards.
Officials expect the cyclone to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, on Wednesday morning. Wind speeds at landfall could range from 115 to 125 km per hour, with indications that they may peak at 140 km per hour. Under its influence, widespread rain is forecast across the state tomorrow and on Wednesday, with very heavy rain at several places.
Authorities have warned that strong winds of 90 to 100 km per hour will lash the coastal belt tomorrow. People have been advised to stay away from trees, large hoardings and dilapidated buildings. The disaster management authority has set up toll-free numbers 112, 1070 and 1800 425 0101 for emergency assistance, and residents have been urged to contact them for help and remain alert.