29.10.2026 11:45
Cyclone Arnab, which struck India's eastern coast, flooded coastal settlements with winds reaching 150 kilometers per hour and giant waves. More than 180,000 people were evacuated to safe areas, while many homes and power lines were damaged and transportation was disrupted. The death toll, initially announced as 3, was reported to have risen to as high as 9, according to local press.
Cyclone Arnab, which struck India's eastern coast, caused great destruction with winds reaching 150 kilometers per hour and heavy rains. As sea levels rose, giant waves washed over coastal roads while settlements were flooded. In Andhra Pradesh and Odisha states, more than 180,000 people were evacuated, and many homes, agricultural lands, and power lines were damaged. Higher figures for the death toll, initially announced as 3, were reported in the local press.
GIANT WAVES WASHED OVER COASTAL ROADS
Cyclone Arnab, which strengthened in the Bay of Bengal, made landfall in India's Andhra Pradesh state on Wednesday, October 28. The storm, particularly effective in Kakinada and its surroundings, caused major damage in coastal settlements.
Winds blowing at 125 to 135 kilometers per hour occasionally reached 150 kilometers. Due to storm surge and heavy rains, coastal roads were covered with water while houses in low-lying areas were flooded.
In footage recorded in Kakinada, giant waves were seen crossing the coastline and advancing toward residential areas. Some roads were closed to traffic due to trees carried by the storm and toppled power poles.
MORE THAN 180,000 PEOPLE EVACUATED
Authorities launched a large-scale evacuation operation before the cyclone made landfall.
In Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Odisha states, more than 180,000 people left their homes and were taken to safe areas.
More than 2,000 temporary shelters were prepared in at-risk areas. About 1,100 health teams were also assigned to respond to possible emergencies.
Fishermen living in coastal areas were warned not to go to sea, while more than 30,000 fishing boats were pulled to safe areas.
DEATH TOLL RISING
In the initial statement by India's National Disaster Response Force, it was reported that 3 people lost their lives due to the cyclone.
However, local press reports dated October 29 stated that the death toll had increased. The New Indian Express reported the death toll as 7, while The Times of India reported that the death toll had risen to 9.
It was noted that some of the deaths occurred due to contact with broken power lines and toppled trees.
Authorities' damage and casualty assessment work continues.
AT LEAST 180 HOMES DAMAGED
According to the initial damage assessment submitted by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to the central government, at least 180 homes were damaged and 220 trees were toppled.
Power poles and communication infrastructure were also damaged due to strong winds. While power outages occurred in some settlements, teams began work to clear roads and repair power lines.
Major damage occurred especially in agricultural areas. The storm's effects were felt in areas where bananas, coconuts, and paddy are produced.
FLIGHTS AND TRAIN SERVICES CANCELLED
Cyclone Arnab also negatively affected transportation on India's eastern coast.
Flights were canceled or suspended at some airports, especially in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Disruptions were also experienced in rail transportation.
While schools were closed in some areas, rescue teams continued their work in settlements affected by flooding.
NEW RAIN WARNING FROM AUTHORITIES
The India Meteorological Department announced that Cyclone Arnab began to lose strength after making landfall.
However, it was emphasized that although the storm weakened, the danger had not completely disappeared.
It was reported that heavy rains could continue, especially in the northern coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh and some areas of Odisha.
Authorities called on citizens to be cautious against new floods and inundations.