Amaravati: Cyclone Arnab has wreaked havoc in Andhra Pradesh. According to a senior National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official, five people have died and 31 houses have been damaged.
Cyclone makes landfall near Yanam, causing damage due to strong winds
The cyclone made landfall near Yanam, Puducherry. Its intensity has subsequently weakened from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to weaken further by evening and could turn into a deep depression.
Senior NDRF official Bundela said that northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha have been the worst affected by the cyclone. Rains accompanied by strong winds are lashing some districts of both states. Several trees have been uprooted in Andhra Pradesh and 31 houses damaged. According to initial reports, no serious damage has been reported in Odisha yet.
Winds gusting up to 135 kmph in coastal areas
The cyclone brought heavy rainfall to coastal Andhra Pradesh, with maximum winds reaching 135 kmph. Preparations have been intensified in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in anticipation of the cyclone’s potential impact. Nearly 4,000 cyclone relief centers have been set up in both states, and thousands of people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas.
2,131 relief centers, 1,274 ambulances deployed in Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh government has established 2,131 cyclone relief centers in 20 districts. 1,087 medical teams have been placed on alert in potentially affected areas. According to officials, 8,281 beds and 1,274 ambulances have also been arranged to deal with emergencies. Disaster management teams have been put on standby, and traffic restrictions have been imposed on several roads.