At least three people have died and several houses have been damaged after very severe Cyclone Arnab struck India’s eastern coast, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds. More than 1.8 lakh people were evacuated from vulnerable areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha ahead of the storm.
The India Meteorological Department classified Arnab as a very severe cyclonic storm, the third highest category on its scale. The cyclone made landfall in Andhra Pradesh early on October 28 before moving fully inland, with authorities expecting its intensity and wind speeds to gradually weaken.
Andhra Pradesh was the worst affected state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah that at least 180 houses had been damaged, around 220 trees uprooted and electricity supplies disrupted in several areas.
Two of the reported deaths were caused by falling trees and electrocution. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that three people had lost their lives in the state.
Authorities evacuated more than 180,000 people across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as a precaution against flooding and storm related damage. Several schools were closed, while train and flight services along the eastern coast faced cancellations and disruptions.
Three airports in Andhra Pradesh suspended operations, according to the Civil Aviation Ministry. NDRF personnel and state disaster response teams were deployed to assist affected communities, clear roads and manage emergency operations.
Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea, while the weather department warned of possible damage to crops, thatched houses and communication infrastructure.
Before landfall, the weather department forecast sustained winds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph. A storm surge of around one to 1.5 metres above normal tide levels was also expected to inundate low lying coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh.
Although neighbouring Odisha experienced comparatively less damage, authorities warned that heavy rainfall could affect other states as the cyclone moved inland.
The cyclone’s impact extended beyond India. Nepal suspended the issuance of trekking permits for high altitude regions for three days because of the risk of heavy rainfall, blizzards and avalanches.
Authorities warned tourists against travelling into mountainous areas, particularly as the cyclone was expected to influence weather conditions in the Himalayan region from Thursday night through Saturday.
Nepal is currently in its peak trekking season, when around 750 hikers typically receive permits each day.
Cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal have historically caused extensive damage along India’s eastern coastline. The 1999 super cyclone in Odisha killed nearly 10,000 people and remains one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters.
India has since strengthened its early-warning systems evacuation procedures and disaster response mechanisms to reduce casualties during extreme weather events. Cyclone Arnab once again highlights the importance of timely warnings, coordinated evacuations and preparedness in vulnerable coastal regions.