Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities in Odisha and neighbouring states to step up preparedness measures ahead of its expected landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28.
According to the latest update, the cyclone moved west-northwest at 23 kmph during the six hours leading up to 11.30 pm on Monday. At that time, it was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal near latitude 15.9°N and longitude 86.0°E.
The storm was located approximately 400 km south-southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha, 350 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 420 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 520 km east of Machilipatnam and 590 km east of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh. It was also about 870 km west-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, according to the India Meteorological Department.
The cyclone is very likely to continue moving west-northwestwards until the evening of Tuesday before changing direction towards the northwest. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm.
At the time of landfall, the system is expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.
Separately, the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department of Odisha has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures to protect public safety in view of the prevailing wind warning and the advisory issued by the Special Relief Commissioner.
Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the H&UD Department, has instructed ULB authorities to closely monitor local weather conditions and maintain coordination with the respective district administrations.
The department has also directed all urban local bodies to strictly follow advisories and instructions issued by the competent authorities and remain prepared to respond promptly to any emerging situation.
Emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, the department has called for timely action to minimise risks to human life and property. ULBs have been instructed to ensure that essential municipal services continue without interruption while taking appropriate steps to address any eventuality arising from adverse weather conditions.
The H&UD Department has urged citizens to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement during adverse weather conditions and follow advisories issued by local administrations and other competent authorities.
It has also stressed the importance of close coordination among urban local bodies and district administrations to ensure a timely and effective response as Cyclone Arnab approaches the eastern coastline.
With the cyclone expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28, affected states are maintaining preparedness measures, while Odisha’s urban local bodies have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure residents’ safety and well-being.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Dr T. V. Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee on Monday to review preparedness and response measures.
Chief Secretaries and senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh, along with officials from the Union Territory of Puducherry, briefed the committee on the precautionary steps being undertaken by their respective state governments and local administrations.
The meeting was informed that adequate cyclone shelters and evacuation arrangements had been put in place. National Disaster Response Force nd State Disaster Response Force teams have been kept on standby to respond to emergencies.
District Control Rooms have also been activated to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate preparedness and response efforts.
As part of the precautionary measures, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, as well as along and off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Yanam in Puducherry, from October 26 to 29.
