Cyclone Arnab: Andhra Landfall and UPSC Facts

Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on 28 October 2026, causing five deaths in Andhra Pradesh. The landfall and damage update follows CBL’s earlier report on evacuations in Odisha.

Quick answer: Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast about 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur early on 28 October. It weakened from a very severe to a severe cyclonic storm. Andhra Pradesh reported five deaths and announced ₹5 lakh for each affected family, while heavy rain threatened neighbouring states.

Where did the cyclone make landfall?

The storm crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts about 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracked its subsequent weakening and inland movement.

Why is Cyclone Arnab in the news?

The cyclone caused deaths and widespread disruption in Andhra Pradesh as it weakened over land. The IMD expected it to become a cyclonic storm by evening and a deep depression by night.

Meanwhile, the IMD expected the system to move north-northwestwards over the following 48 hours. Heavy rain was forecast across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Why do the track and warnings matter?

The inland track matters because heavy rain and flash floods can continue after coastal landfall. Consequently, warnings must cover inland districts as well as the coast.

The IMD warned of a moderate to high flash-flood risk in 13 Andhra Pradesh districts until 5.30 a.m. on 29 October. These included Bapatla, Krishna, Kakinada, Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam.

What damage did the storm cause?

Cyclone Arnab damaged crops, power infrastructure and transport services. The following figures describe distinct impacts reported on 28 October:

• Rainfall: Garividi in Vizianagaram district recorded 26 cm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m.
• Crops: About 70,900 hectares of paddy and 10,450 hectares of horticulture crops were underwater or damaged, according to the Chief Minister’s letter.
• Power: Supply to 25.33 lakh non-farm connections was interrupted across 11 districts served by the eastern distribution company. Moreover, 6,270 electric poles fell.
• Flights: Visakhapatnam airport cancelled 38 flights; Vijayawada cancelled 17 services.

What response measures followed?

Andhra Pradesh announced compensation and organised relief for affected residents. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said about 57,000 people had moved to relief camps.

• Financial assistance: Families of the five deceased will receive ₹5 lakh each. In addition, partly damaged house owners will receive ₹10,000.
• Camp support: Residents in relief camps will receive ₹1,000 per person, subject to ₹3,000 per family.
• Damage assessment: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sought a Central team to assess losses. Meanwhile, Odisha moved over 30,000 people from low-lying and landslide-prone areas.

Source: The Hindu, 28 October 2026

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