State on high alert as cyclone Arnab threatens coast

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh has stepped up disaster preparedness ahead of the anticipated impact of Cyclone Arnab, with the state government directing district administrations, police and power utilities to remain on high alert amid forecasts of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds along the coast. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has instructed officials to maintain heightened vigilance over the next five days, warning that coastal districts could face severe weather conditions from Monday. She said the cyclone was expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, potentially bringing winds of 115–125 kmph.

The minister reviewed the anticipated impact in Amaravati and directed district collectors, superintendents of police and field-level officials to coordinate emergency preparations. Authorities have been asked to identify vulnerable areas, remove dangerous hoardings and prepare to evacuate coastal residents to safer locations if necessary. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been instructed to remain ready for deployment. Home Minister Anitha urged farmers and residents to take precautionary measures, avoid risky activities near the sea and refrain from taking selfies close to rough waves. She also cautioned the public against believing unverified social media reports, advising them to follow official updates from the state disaster management authorities.

In a parallel preparedness exercise, Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar and Home Minister Anitha held a teleconference with distribution company chairpersons, managing directors, directors and district-level officials to review contingency plans for electricity supply .According to officials, approximately 25,000 electric poles and other essential materials have been kept ready to address emergency requirements. The Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh (SPDCL) is also prepared to deploy additional personnel in vulnerable areas.The ministers warned residents to stay away from fallen power lines and damaged electricity poles, stressing that such hazards must not be touched under any circumstances.

People have been advised to report electricity-related emergencies through the toll-free helpline 1912.  With the anticipated cyclone crossing coinciding with a period of heightened rainfall and wind activity, district administrations are expected to focus on evacuation readiness, public warnings and coordination between emergency services. The government has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, follow instructions issued by local authorities and rely exclusively on verified official updates.