Winds Reach 135kph as Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall in India’s Andhra Pradesh
Storm reaches Andhra Pradesh
Arnab made landfall early Wednesday as a “very severe cyclonic storm,” the third-highest category on the scale. It was later downgraded to “severe” as it moved farther inland.
Evacuations and warnings
Authorities evacuated 180,000 people from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha a day before the storm arrived. Flights and train services were cancelled, and some schools closed.
Regional precautions continue
In neighbouring Nepal, authorities warned tourists on Tuesday to stay out of high-altitude areas. They feared Arnab could bring torrential rain, snowstorms and avalanches from Thursday through Saturday.
Reuters reported that authorities suspended trekking permits for three days. About 750 hikers receive permits daily during Nepal’s peak hiking season. Nepal is still recovering from an August glacial mountain collapse that killed more than 1,400 people and left at least 5,000 missing. Sri Lanka also closed schools, as its Department of Meteorology warned of possible flash floods and landslides.
Key points
- Arnab made landfall in Andhra Pradesh with winds reaching 135kph.
- Authorities evacuated 180,000 people from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- More than 12 million people live in the cyclone’s expected path; no casualties had been reported.
- Nepal restricted trekking permits, while Sri Lanka closed schools amid storm-related risks.