The landfall process of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab continued along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, with its centre remaining close to the shoreline, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The weather department said the cyclone’s northern spiral band had moved further inland, with the landfall process expected to continue for the next three hours.
“The centre of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab remains very close to the Andhra Pradesh coastline, and the landfall process is continuing," the IMD said in a statement.
The storm was located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, near 30 km east of Narsapur, 45 km south-south-west of Yanam and 70 km south-south-west of Kakinada.
Winds Up To 135 Kmph, Heavy Rain Hits Districts
The cyclone was expected to move north-westwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to the south of Yanam, the IMD said.
It warned that the system could bring sustained winds of up to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph, during the next three hours.
Heavy rain and strong winds affected parts of Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema districts. Officials also reported fallen trees at several locations.
Police Rescue People Stranded In Floodwaters
In Kakinada district, police rescued four people stranded near the Bombay Katta area after heavy rain and seawater flooded the surroundings. The group had been unable to leave the place where they were staying until they contacted the police for help.
Three other people were reported stranded at the CWC godowns in Kakinada Anchorage Port, where flooding and a power cut prevented workers from leaving the premises.
Police advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded areas. Anyone trapped or needing emergency assistance was urged to call Dial 112 or the Kakinada Police Control Room.
Source: ANI