Cyclone Arnab has disrupted life across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, leaving two people dead in separate electrocution incidents, uprooting hundreds of trees and electric poles, and forcing the cancellation of dozens of trains and several flights.
The very severe cyclonic storm crossed the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast early on Wednesday, October 28, before weakening into a severe cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Strong winds, torrential rainfall and damage to infrastructure have affected several coastal districts.
Two people died in separate electrocution incidents linked to the storm. A 53-year-old man in Visakhapatnam district reportedly came into contact with a snapped live wire on Tuesday night. In another incident, a woman in Yellamanchili, Anakapalli district, died after stepping on an exposed live wire outside her home.
The cyclone uprooted hundreds of trees and electric poles, damaged roads and disrupted electricity and communication services. The Uppada coastal road in Kakinada district was completely washed away, while an old bridge in Tadiguda village was also reported damaged, temporarily isolating a hamlet.
Railway services faced significant disruption as a precautionary measure.
South Coast Railway cancelled 57 trains and rescheduled 15 others, affecting services including Vande Bharat, Ratnachal, UDAY, Garib Rath, Godavari and Falaknuma Express trains.
Flight operations were also affected. Services at Visakhapatnam airport had been suspended since the afternoon of October 27, while operations at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry were suspended later that evening.
Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air announced cancellations affecting several routes. Passengers were advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before travelling to airports.
Several locations in coastal Andhra Pradesh recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall. According to the IMD figures cited by The Times of India, Kannuripalem in Anakapalli district recorded 261.5 mm, while KVBR School in Vizianagaram recorded 259.74 mm.
Winds reaching around 130 kmph in parts of Konaseema uprooted trees and power poles, damaged crops and blocked roads. Authorities began clearance operations and worked to restore electricity and transport connectivity.
Train passengers: Check the latest cancellation and rescheduling notices from railway authorities.
Air travellers: Confirm flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport and check applicable rebooking or refund options.
Residents in vulnerable areas: Follow official weather advisories and evacuation instructions.
People in affected localities: Avoid fallen power lines and exposed electrical wires, and report hazards to local authorities.
As restoration work continues, authorities face the task of reopening transport routes, restoring electricity and supporting communities affected by the cyclone.
