Cyclone Arnab intensified over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, October 26, prompting emergency preparations along India’s eastern coast as forecasters warned of strong winds and heavy rainfall ahead of an expected landfall on October 28.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm was likely to strengthen further before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. Forecast sustained winds of 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour, could threaten coastal communities, infrastructure and electricity supplies.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha have begun preparations for the approaching storm. Officials are arranging evacuations in vulnerable areas, while fishing boats have been advised to return to shore.
Heavy rain and coastal disruption expected
The IMD forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha as the cyclone approaches.
Strong winds, intense rainfall and rough seas could disrupt transport, fishing, power supplies and other essential services. Low-lying areas face additional risks from flooding, making early warnings and evacuation arrangements important.
Reuters reported on Monday that authorities in Andhra Pradesh had identified approximately 570,000 people as vulnerable to the storm. Evacuation preparations were scheduled to begin that evening, while Odisha announced school and college closures in five districts for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The storm’s precise impact will depend on its final track, strength and conditions at landfall. Forecasts may change as the system moves closer to the coast, so residents should follow official weather bulletins and local emergency instructions.
Why Bangladesh should pay attention
Although the current forecast points towards India’s eastern coast rather than Bangladesh, the storm is developing in a region that connects the two countries through the Bay of Bengal.
Cyclones in the basin can bring dangerous seas, heavy rainfall and disruption to maritime activity. Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department had already advised fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay to move closer to the coast and proceed cautiously as the system developed.
The storm also has a direct connection to Bangladesh through its name. “Arnab”, pronounced “Ornab”, was contributed by Bangladesh to the regional cyclone-naming list.
That connection does not mean the cyclone is heading towards Bangladesh. Its projected track and any resulting local risks must be assessed using updated official forecasts.
What happens next?
The next 48 hours will be important as Arnab is forecast to intensify and approach the Indian coastline. Emergency authorities will need to communicate warnings clearly, move vulnerable residents to safety where necessary and prepare for possible power and transport disruptions.
For coastal communities, the priority is to act on official instructions rather than wait for conditions to deteriorate. Residents should avoid exposed shorelines and dangerous sea conditions, while fishermen should follow maritime warnings.
The forecast landfall remains subject to change. The latest advisories from the India Meteorological Department and relevant state disaster-management authorities will provide the clearest guidance as the cyclone approaches.
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