India Cyclone Arnab Slams East Coast, Forcing 180,000 to Evacuate

India cyclone Arnab struck Andhra Pradesh on October 28, 2026, killing at least three people and damaging homes, farmland, and infrastructure. More than 180,000 people were evacuated across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as the powerful storm brought destructive winds and heavy rain to India’s eastern coast. Here’s the latest update!

India cyclone Arnab hit Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Key Takeaway

• Cyclone Arnab leaves at least three people dead in Andhra Pradesh.

• Residents across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha were evacuated to safer areas.

• Farmland across 14 coastal districts suffers crop damage.

Cyclone Arnab struck India’s eastern coast on October 28, 2026, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain to Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Odisha. 

The storm made landfall along Andhra Pradesh’s coast after developing over the Bay of Bengal. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified Arnab as a very severe cyclonic storm, reporting sustained winds of 125–135 km/h and gusts of up to 150 km/h. 

The system weakened after moving inland, although adverse weather continued to threaten affected communities.

See also: Difference between a hurricane typhoon and cyclone.

India cyclone Arnab left severe damage in Andhra Pradesh (Photo: AP News)

At least three people died in storm-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh. 

Two women were electrocuted in Visakhapatnam, while another person was killed by a falling tree in East Godavari.

The cyclone also destroyed at least 180 houses and uprooted around 220 trees, according to state officials. 

Damage to power infrastructure caused electricity outages in affected communities. (Read more: Power outage safety tips).

Meanwhile, approximately 79,000 acres of crops across 14 coastal districts were affected, placing additional pressure on farmers. 

Banana and coconut plantations in the Konaseema region were among the agricultural areas hit by the storm.

Check local rainfall and wind speed for Visakhapatnam to monitor changing weather and potential hazards.

Authorities evacuated more than 180,000 people from vulnerable areas in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha before the cyclone made landfall. 

Emergency teams were deployed to support affected communities and help restore essential services.

Transport disruptions added to the challenges. 

Some train services were canceled, schools were closed, and operations at three airports in Andhra Pradesh were suspended.

Authorities also warned fishermen against going to sea because of dangerous coastal conditions.

The IMD warned of continued heavy rain and strong winds in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. 

Flooding remained a concern in low-lying areas, while damaged roads and power lines could complicate recovery efforts.

References

1. AP News

2. ABC News

3. Al Jazeera