Andhra Pradesh has deployed 21 disaster response teams — 10 from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 11 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) — as the state prepares for severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab', which is forecast to make landfall along the coast on 28 October. The storm is expected to cross between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with current projections pointing to the coastal belt spanning Konaseema, Yanam, and Kakinada as the most likely impact zone.

CM Naidu's Preparedness Review

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to assess evacuation plans, relief centre readiness, and the supply of food, drinking water, medical care, and power restoration infrastructure. He directed all government departments to coordinate closely and maintain the highest level of vigilance ahead of the storm's arrival.

The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, Director General of Police Harish Gupta, District Collectors, Real-Time Governance (RTG) officials, and departmental representatives from Agriculture, Power, Irrigation, Home, Health, Civil Supplies, Municipal Administration, and Panchayat Raj. Naidu specifically directed that all fishing vessels currently at sea return to shore immediately, and instructed officials to harness floodwaters from heavy rains to replenish reservoirs.

Storm Track and Intensity Forecast

The deep depression currently centred over the Bay of Bengal is located approximately 850 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and about 930 km from Kakinada. According to the Meteorological Department, the system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 26 October, escalate to a severe cyclonic storm by that night, and reach very severe cyclonic storm status by 27 October.

At landfall, wind speeds are projected to range between 115 and 125 kmph, with gusts potentially peaking at 140 kmph. Coastal areas are expected to experience strong winds from as early as the morning of 27 October.

Rainfall Projections and Districts at Risk

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across North Andhra and the central coastal districts on 27 and 28 October, with isolated pockets expected to record extremely heavy precipitation. Districts including Kakinada, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Konaseema, and East Godavari are among the most vulnerable.

Anakapalli district is projected to record the highest average rainfall at 292.55 mm, followed by Alluri Sitarama Raju district at 281.17 mm, Visakhapatnam at 253.87 mm, and Srikakulam at 249.18 mm. The average total rainfall across the state over the five-day period is estimated at 95 mm, with an average of 22–29 cm expected across the affected districts.

Fishermen Advisory and Sea Conditions

Authorities have advised all fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea, as conditions are expected to turn extremely rough in the coming days. This advisory is in force across all coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. The focus on early compliance aims to prevent maritime casualties — a recurring risk during Bay of Bengal cyclone events.

With landfall now less than two weeks away, state machinery is racing to complete evacuations from vulnerable low-lying areas and shore up relief infrastructure before the storm makes its approach.