Cyclone Arnab: CM Naidu vows 'every life' safe as storm nears AP coast
Synopsis
Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab is hours from hitting Andhra Pradesh, and CM Chandrababu Naidu has put the full state apparatus on alert — 2,199 shelters identified, 22 NDRF-SDRF teams deployed, 8,400 power restoration workers on standby, and 2,360 pregnant women already moved to medical facilities. With landfall Wednesday, the government's response will be judged on whether early mobilisation translates into zero casualties.
Key Takeaways
Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab is set to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, 28 October .
Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation four times on Tuesday and is in continuous contact with district collectors.
The state has identified 2,199 cyclone shelters ; 2,360 pregnant women have been shifted to medical facilities.
12 NDRF and 10 SDRF teams have been deployed across affected districts; the Navy and Coast Guard are on standby.
Over 8,400 power restoration personnel mobilised; control rooms operating round the clock.
RTGS is monitoring the situation statewide and coordinating with district administrations in real time.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday, 27 October declared that protecting every life is the state government's foremost priority as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab bears down on the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected on Wednesday. Naidu said he has reviewed the situation four times since Tuesday morning and remains in continuous contact with district collectors and senior officials to ensure emergency response is in place.
Shelter and Evacuation Measures
The state has identified 2,199 cyclone shelters and drawn up evacuation plans, with a specific focus on the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. 2,360 pregnant women have already been shifted to medical facilities as a precautionary measure. Naidu said evacuations are being monitored in real time and personnel, equipment, and essential supplies are being deployed to vulnerable areas without delay.
Emergency Teams on the Ground
Twelve National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and ten State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been assigned to affected districts, with deployment already underway. Police, fire services, and medical teams have been fully mobilised. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are on standby to provide assistance as required. Over 8,400 power restoration personnel have been mobilised to ensure swift resumption of electricity supply after the storm.
Critical Supplies and Control Rooms
Food, drinking water, medicines, and generators are being arranged across vulnerable zones. Control rooms are operational round the clock to coordinate emergency response. The Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) is monitoring conditions across the state, coordinating with district administrations and ensuring critical information reaches the concerned authorities promptly.
Government's Public Safety Advisory
In a post on X, Naidu urged residents to move immediately to designated shelters when advised, and warned fishermen not to venture into the sea until official clearance is given. He called on the public to keep essential supplies and charged phones ready, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from beaches, riverbanks, floodwaters, and fallen power lines. Real Time Governance Minister Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha are also closely monitoring preparedness measures across departments. The Chief Minister appealed: 'Do not circulate rumours. Please check on vulnerable neighbours and inform local officials of anyone needing assistance.'
What Happens Next
With Cyclone Arnab set to make landfall on Wednesday, authorities will continue round-the-clock reviews. The government has assured the public that the state machinery is working continuously for their safety, and that the situation will be declared safe only after official confirmation. Residents are advised to follow official government updates until then.
Point of View
199 shelters, 22 NDRF-SDRF teams, 8,400 power workers — signal a government determined to avoid the reputational damage of a poor cyclone response, a lesson drawn from past disasters in the region. The early evacuation of 2,360 pregnant women is a notably proactive step and a marker the administration will be held to. What this mobilisation cannot fully insulate against is the unpredictability of a very severe storm's exact landfall track and intensity at the final hour. The real accountability moment comes not at the press conference but in the 48 hours after Arnab crosses the coast.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh?
Cyclone Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. It has been classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, and authorities have been on high alert since Tuesday.
What preparations has the Andhra Pradesh government made for Cyclone Arnab?
The state has identified 2,199 cyclone shelters and deployed 12 NDRF and 10 SDRF teams across vulnerable districts. Over 8,400 power restoration personnel have been mobilised, control rooms are running round the clock, and 2,360 pregnant women have already been shifted to medical facilities.
What did CM Chandrababu Naidu say about the cyclone response?
In a post on X, CM Naidu said protecting every life is the government's foremost priority and that he has reviewed the situation four times since Tuesday morning. He urged residents to move to shelters when advised, avoid coastal and riverside areas, and not spread rumours.
Who else is overseeing the cyclone response in Andhra Pradesh?
Alongside CM Chandrababu Naidu, Real Time Governance Minister Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha are actively monitoring preparedness. The Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) is coordinating with district administrations statewide around the clock.
What safety advice has the government issued to residents ahead of Cyclone Arnab?
Authorities have advised residents to move to designated shelters when instructed, keep essential supplies and charged phones ready, and avoid beaches, riverbanks, floodwaters, and fallen power lines. Fishermen have been specifically asked not to venture into the sea until official clearance is given.
