🐅 Environment
Cyclone Arnab makes landfall on the Andhra coast near Yanam
In 60 seconds: Very severe Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast near Yanam on Wednesday morning, with winds of 125–135 km/h gusting to 150 km/h. Heavy rain uprooted trees and power poles and flooded low-lying areas in Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema. At least 609 schools became relief centres. Odisha's southern districts are on alert for very heavy rain.
Why it matters
Cyclones cost lives, homes, crops and power. Early warnings and evacuation have cut deaths sharply, but damage to farms and towns remains high.
Explain it simply
Stir a pot of chai fast and the swirl spins around a calm centre. A cyclone is a giant swirl of wind around a calm eye, fed by warm sea water.
The 3-minute read
What happened
IMD said the storm remained almost stationary along the coast during landfall. The highest rainfall was 261.5 mm at Kannuripalem in Anakapalli district. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered quick clearing of fallen trees and restoration of power once the storm weakens.
Background
IMD warned of a storm surge of 1.5 to 2.5 metres above normal tide. Thousands were evacuated along the east coast this week and some trains and flights were cancelled.
How it works
After landfall the storm is expected to weaken as it moves inland, bringing rain to Telangana, southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh. IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rain in Odisha's Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts.
What's next
Heavy rain is likely on Wednesday and Thursday. Officials will assess crop and property damage once the rain eases.
What it means for you
If you live in an affected area, follow IMD and state alerts, avoid low-lying roads and keep phones charged.
Key numbers
- 125–135 km/h: Sustained wind speed
- 261.5 mm: Highest rainfall (Kannuripalem)
- 609: Schools turned into relief centres
Both sides
- Disaster managers: Early warning and evacuation are saving lives.
- Climate scientists: Warmer seas are helping Bay of Bengal storms grow stronger.
Key terms explained
- Landfall
- When the centre of a cyclone crosses the coast.
- Relief centres
- Safe shelters where people are housed during a disaster.
The story so far
- Oct 2025: Cyclone Montha hits the Andhra coast. In late October 2025, Cyclone Montha made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing heavy rain and flooding to the same region.
- 26 Oct 2026: Crisis committee reviews preparations for Arnab. The National Crisis Management Committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, reviewed preparations as Arnab moved across the Bay of Bengal.
- Today: Arnab makes landfall near Yanam
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- IMD classifies a very severe cyclonic storm as having sustained winds of about 118–165 km/h.
- Yanam is part of the Union Territory of Puducherry, though it lies on the Andhra Pradesh coast.
- Cyclone names in the north Indian Ocean come from a list prepared by 13 countries of the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.
- The National Crisis Management Committee is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
Likely exam question: Why does the Bay of Bengal see more cyclones than the Arabian Sea? How has India reduced cyclone deaths?