7 feared dead as Cyclone Arnab batters Andhra; over 1 lakh evacuated across two states

A very severe cyclonic storm is an exceptionally powerful tropical cyclone with extremely strong sustained winds. In this report, the India Meteorological Department recorded maximum sustained winds of 125–135 kmph as Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast. That strength can damage trees, poles, roads, buildings and power systems.

Landfall is the process in which a cyclone’s central region moves onto land after crossing the coast. The IMD said Arnab’s landfall process was complete when its central region moved completely into land. The system then weakened into a severe cyclonic storm at 8.30 am, with winds of 110–120 kmph.

Landfall does not mean the danger ends immediately. Arnab continued moving north-northwestwards, bringing heavy rain and strong winds inland. The IMD warned of rainfall exceeding 20 cm, possible landslides and damaging winds across southern Odisha before the system weakened further.

More than one lakh people were evacuated in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast. Andhra Pradesh alone moved 84,396 people into 290 shelters, while Odisha evacuated more than 30,000 people. These figures show the scale of preparation required before a powerful cyclone reaches populated coastal and inland areas.

The IMD said Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast as a very severe cyclonic storm. Its maximum sustained winds reached 125–135 kmph during the landfall process. Such winds can uproot trees and poles, block highways, damage power networks and threaten people in exposed areas.

The system weakened after landfall, but danger continued. Winds in inland Odisha could still reach 60–70 kmph, with gusts up to 80 kmph. Heavy rain, including more than 20 cm in some districts, also raised the risk of landslides and further disruption.

Winds of 125–135 kmph can turn trees, poles and other objects into hazards. The article reported that at least seven people died in Andhra Pradesh, reportedly from falling trees or electrocution. National Highway 16 was blocked for several hours by uprooted trees and poles before crews cleared it.

Very heavy rain adds a second danger. The IMD issued a red alert for rainfall exceeding 20 cm in six Odisha districts and warned of localised landslides in hilly areas. Rain and strong winds can also make roads unsafe, isolate communities and complicate rescue and relief work.

The effects can continue after landfall. Andhra Pradesh prepared personnel for power disruptions, while Odisha closed schools and Anganwadis in 16 districts. Authorities arranged shelters, drinking water, sanitation, tankers and generators because essential services may remain strained while the cyclone moves inland.

People were moved before the cyclone reached them because low-lying areas can become dangerous during intense rain, while unstable hills can suffer landslides. Early evacuation places residents in stronger shelters and reduces the number of people needing rescue during peak winds or rainfall. It also gives emergency teams safer conditions to work.

In Odisha, authorities moved people from vulnerable areas in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur. Malkangiri was expected to be the worst hit among the southern districts. As many as 2,037 cyclone shelters had food, drinking water and other essentials ready.

This preparation mattered because the IMD issued a red alert for rainfall exceeding 20 cm in several districts. It warned of localised landslides and strong winds. Temporary road closures were introduced in landslide-prone areas, while schools and Anganwadis in 16 districts remained closed to limit exposure.

The IMD provided the scientific warning system. It tracked Arnab’s landfall, measured its winds, described its weakening and issued red and orange rainfall alerts. Those forecasts helped authorities decide where to evacuate people, close roads and prepare shelters. The Regional Meteorological Centre also forecast inland winds and gusts.

The NDRF and SDRF formed part of the emergency response structure. Odisha deployed nine NDRF teams and 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, alongside 244 Fire and Emergency Services teams. In Andhra Pradesh, the NDRF, SDRF, Navy and Coast Guard were on alert. Fishing boats were brought back to shore, reducing exposure at sea.

The article does not specify separate tasks for the Navy and Coast Guard. It shows them supporting the wider readiness effort. State authorities handled shelters, health transfers, water supplies, sanitation and power preparations, while response teams stood ready for emergencies.

The source does not explain why cyclones weaken inland. Established meteorological understanding is that tropical cyclones draw energy and moisture from warm ocean water. Once over land, they lose that continuous supply. Rough land surfaces also create more friction, disrupting the storm’s organized circulation.

Arnab illustrates the difference between weakening and becoming harmless. The IMD said it weakened from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm at 8.30 am, with winds falling to 110–120 kmph. Yet its outer bands continued bringing rain and strong winds into Odisha.

The system was expected to produce winds of 60–70 kmph, with gusts up to 80 kmph, while moving inland. The IMD also warned of more than 20 cm of rain and localised landslides. Arnab was forecast to weaken further into a cyclonic storm and then a deep depression.

The source focuses on Arnab’s landfall and impacts rather than explaining how tropical cyclones form. Established meteorology says they begin over sufficiently warm tropical oceans, where seawater evaporates and loads the air with moisture. Warm, moist air rises, lowering pressure near the surface and drawing in more air.

As the rising air cools, water vapour condenses and releases heat. That heat powers further rising motion and strengthens the low-pressure circulation. Earth’s rotation helps organize the circulation into a spinning storm. If the ocean remains warm and upper-level winds do not disrupt the system, the cyclone can intensify.

Arnab’s reported 125–135 kmph winds show how powerful such a system can become, but the article does not identify its formation conditions. It does show the storm weakening after landfall, consistent with losing access to warm ocean water and encountering land friction.