India is accelerating the evacuation of people fleeing Cyclone Arni after it strengthened, before making landfall in Andhra Pradesh with maximum wind gusts reaching 150 km/h. Authorities have warned of heavy rainfall and high tides, posing a risk of coastal flooding.
India is intensifying its response to Cyclone Arni, which has strengthened into a very severe cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, before moving to make landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh in eastern India in the early hours of Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 GMT+7. This has prompted authorities to urgently evacuate residents from flood- and wind-prone coastal areas.
The India Meteorological Department reported that the cyclone approached the coast between the cities of Bapatla and Visakhapatnam near Yanam, with sustained wind speeds of 125-135 km/h and gusts reaching 150 km/h.
Reuters reported that the cyclone began making landfall in the early morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to coastal areas. Officials noted fallen trees and power outages in some locations, but no deaths had been reported at the time of the report.
Over 89,000 People Evacuated; Shelters Prepared
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have evacuated at least 89,000 people from low-lying and flood-prone areas, established over 2,000 shelters across 20 districts, and deployed nearly 1,100 medical teams ready to assist affected residents.
Additionally, officials have moved more than 30,000 fishing boats to safe locations, sent alert messages to residents' mobile phones in risk zones, and suspended some train services to ensure safety.
The state's disaster management agency estimates that over 12 million people live along the cyclone's projected path, requiring close monitoring—especially in coastal and low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding.
Odisha Prepares to Evacuate Another 48,000; Heavy Rain Warnings Issued
Meanwhile, neighboring Odisha state is preparing to evacuate approximately 48,000 people from eight high-risk districts after heavy rain and strong winds began impacting several areas. Shelters have been readied and some schools closed in these districts for safety.
The India Meteorological Department warned that the cyclone could cause heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha and inland regions, while coastal waves remain severe. Residents and fishermen are advised to avoid hazardous areas and strictly follow official warnings.
Indian authorities continue to closely monitor the cyclone's progress and have emergency and rescue teams on standby to assist people immediately in case of flooding or wind damage.
Source: AP, Reuters
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