Cyclone Arnab Hits Andhra: UP and Prayagraj on Alert

Cyclone Arnab has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and made landfall along the eastern coast, triggering widespread devastation, rapid evacuations, and multi-state weather warnings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a high-priority Red Alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh following severe winds and torrential downpours. As the cyclonic system advances inland, its peripheral bands are causing atmospheric instability across northern India. Authorities in Uttar Pradesh—specifically in districts such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Mirzapur—have put disaster response mechanisms on high alert, placing multiple regions under Orange and Yellow weather alerts for unseasonal rainfall, gusty winds, and localized flooding.

What Is the Current Status of Cyclone Arnab?

Cyclone Arnab struck the coastal areas between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, packing sustained winds of 125 to 135 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 150 km/h. The IMD categorized the landfall as a "very severe cyclonic storm," bringing massive wave surges, uprooted trees, and flooded low-lying coastal sectors. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were deployed across vulnerable zones to evacuate thousands of residents into designated shelters. Coastal power utilities mobilised thousands of restoration personnel to address power outages caused by damaged transmission lines and fallen debris.

Why Are Alerts Issued for Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj?

Although the cyclone made landfall along the southern coast, its interaction with regional atmospheric currents is driving heavy moisture northward into central and northern India. The IMD and state disaster authorities issued weather warnings across eastern and central districts of Uttar Pradesh. An Orange Alert was designated for key areas including Prayagraj, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, and Varanasi due to predicted thunderstorms, lightning, and unseasonal heavy rain. Gusty winds ranging from 40 to 50 km/h are anticipated, leading to sharp temperature drops across the state over consecutive days.

Who Is Most Affected by the Approaching Storm?

The primary populations affected include coastal communities in Andhra Pradesh facing structural damage and flooding, along with agricultural communities across Uttar Pradesh. Farmers in districts like Prayagraj face severe risks of crop damage due to unseasonal rainfall during harvest preparations. Transportation networks have also experienced disruptions; several passenger trains passing through affected regions were canceled, and aviation updates warned of flight delays across regional hubs. Fishermen along the eastern coastline have been strictly instructed to refrain from venturing into the sea until further clearance is provided.

How Are Authorities Preparing and What Guidelines Should Citizens Follow?

The Relief Commissioner's office in Uttar Pradesh and emergency response teams in Andhra Pradesh have released comprehensive safety advisories:

• Stay Informed: Residents are advised to monitor updates from the IMD and local administration via official weather tracking applications like Sachet.

• Seek Shelter: During active thunderstorms or high-velocity winds, individuals should remain inside sturdy structures and avoid taking shelter under trees, weak roofs, or near high-voltage power lines.

• Agricultural Protection: Farmers are urged to take measures to protect harvested produce and move livestock into secure, covered areas.

• Avoid Travel: Unnecessary travel through flooded regions or along riverbanks should be suspended until the system dissipates.

Disaster management teams remain stationed across all alert regions to execute quick-response rescues, clear road blockages, and ensure uninterrupted power supply restoration.