Arnab batters Andhra coast; Godavari delta faces flood threat

The storm was forecast to bring sustained winds of 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. Its impact varied across the coastal belt, with low-lying settlements and the Godavari delta facing particular risks.

North coastal Andhra: Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts faced strong winds and heavy rain. Uprooted trees, precautionary power cuts and disruptions to daily activities emerged as immediate concerns. Rough seas forced fishing restrictions, while port authorities issued danger warnings.

Godavari delta: Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari and West Godavari districts faced the greatest concern over coastal inundation and flooding. The IMD warned that a storm surge could inundate low-lying areas around Kakinada and Yanam. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall also threatened drainage systems, canals, tanks and standing crops.

Central coastal belt: Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Bapatla and Palnadu districts were warned of heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy showers possible in isolated places. Waterlogging, agricultural losses and disruption to road and rail movement remained major concerns as the storm approached and crossed the coast.

South coastal Andhra: Prakasam and Nellore districts faced rough seas, squally weather and rain-related disruption, although the most severe wind threat was concentrated closer to the forecast landfall zone.

Rayalaseema: Tirupati, Chittoor and other inland districts were less exposed to the direct coastal wind and storm-surge threat. However, localised heavy rain and travel disruption remained possible, depending on the cyclone’s inland movement.

Authorities evacuated vulnerable residents, suspended some transport services and mobilised emergency teams. The full extent of damage to crops, homes and infrastructure was yet to be established. Officials urged residents to remain indoors and follow district-level safety advisories.