OMM Newsroom
Thousands of residents were evacuated from India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday as Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the southeastern coast, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds, according to Anadolu Agency.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the landfall process had remained stationary for two hours. It said the cyclone could completely cross the coast by the afternoon, while strong gusts and rain continued along the shoreline, and urged people to remain vigilant.
Authorities moved 84,396 people to 290 relief shelters in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 2,199 shelters had been designated across the state, All India Radio reported.
The cyclone began making landfall early Wednesday and caused widespread disruption, with strong winds uprooting trees and damaging local infrastructure, the broadcaster said.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and the eastern state of Odisha ordered schools to close as a precaution. Fishing activities were suspended, and rescue teams were placed on standby to respond to emergencies.
The administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also ordered schools to remain closed for two days, starting Tuesday.
India’s Meteorological Department said a deep depression over the east-central and southeastern Bay of Bengal had moved westward and intensified into Cyclone Arnab.
