Cyclone Arnab Havoc: Roads Flooded, Trees Fall As Powerful Winds Sweep Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi: Cyclonic storm 'Arnab' started hitting the coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday morning. According to the Meteorological Department, the landfall of the storm is taking place around Yanam and Kakinada. This process is expected to last for about three hours. Due to the storm, strong winds are blowing in the coastal areas and heavy rains are occurring in many areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is crossing the coast south of Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. During this time, the wind speed is reaching 125 to 135 kilometers per hour, while wind gusts can blow at a speed of 150 kilometers per hour. In view of the bad weather, the administration has advised people to remain alert.

Where and at what speed is the storm crossing the coast?

Cyclonic storm Arnab is moving rapidly in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Due to strong winds, problems like falling of trees, affected power supply and waterlogging are coming to the fore. The Meteorological Department has warned that the weather may remain bad during and after landfall. In such a situation, people living near the sea need to take special precautions.

What is the situation due to heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh?

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is being recorded in the northern districts of Andhra Pradesh. Waterlogging persists in some parts of Visakhapatnam. There are also reports of trees falling and power supply being disrupted due to strong winds. As a precaution, schools have been closed in many areas.

The bad weather has also affected rail and air services. Many trains and flights have been cancelled. IndiGo and Air India have warned that flights to and from Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam will be affected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest information released by airlines and railways.

How many people were evacuated to safe places?

Chief Minister N. According to Chandrababu Naidu, more than 84 thousand people have been evacuated to safe places in the state. The administration has identified 2,199 cyclone shelter sites. Apart from this, 2,360 pregnant women have been shifted to places with medical facilities, so that they can get timely treatment in case of emergency.

12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 10 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

What is the warning of the Meteorological Department in Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh?

In view of the impact of the cyclonic storm, a warning of heavy to extremely heavy rain has also been issued in Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Schools have been closed in 16 districts of Odisha and a campaign is being run to evacuate people to safe places in sensitive areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, strong winds and rain may continue for some time even after the storm crosses the coast. The administration has appealed to the people not to step out of the house unnecessarily, stay away from electric wires and fallen trees and follow the official instructions of the Meteorological Department and the local administration.