Deadly cyclone smashes into India’s east coast (VIDEOS)
A “very severe” cyclone slammed into India’s east coast on Wednesday, killing at least five people as winds of up to 150 kph uprooted trees and knocked out power. More than 180,000 people were evacuated before the storm hit.
Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast of Andhra Pradesh state near Yanam between 2 and 8 AM, with sustained winds of 125-135 kph. It weakened to a “severe” cyclone after moving inland, the India Meteorological Department said.
Satellite images show Arnab’s broad cloud bands stretching across large parts of eastern and southern India. Although its winds weakened after landfall, the authorities warned that heavy rainfall could continue through Thursday, raising the risk of further flooding.
The six-hour landfall battered coastal districts, including Kakinada, Konaseema, and West Godavari. Strong winds brought down trees and electricity poles, blocked roads, and disrupted power supplies. The coastal road near Uppada in Kakinada district was washed away, while flooding affected low-lying areas.
❗🚢 Sulphur-Laden Cargo Ship Runs Aground In Andhra Amid Cyclone Arnab (ANI Citing Local Authority) The vessel reportedly suffered engine failure after departing Visakhapatnam and drifted off course. Maritime authorities are monitoring the situation ahead of an inspection. 📹 Via ANI
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) October 28, 2026
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed the deaths and reported damage to 31 houses in Andhra Pradesh. Two of the fatalities were from electrocution, and at least one was killed by falling treees, reports cited officials as saying.
A cargo ship carrying sulfur ran aground on the Andhra Pradesh coast after its engine reportedly failed. The maritime authorities are assessing the vessel’s condition, reports said.
🌪️ Cyclone Arnab Unleashes Powerful Winds! Violent gusts are sweeping through the area, with winds reportedly reaching 150 km/h. Nature’s fury is on full display! Stay safe and follow local weather alerts. ⚠️🌬️ https://t.co/y6O5FgiiNU
— Veer Thakur (@veerthakur1906) October 28, 2026
Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh recorded 315 millimeters of rain by Wednesday morning; Koraput in neighboring Odisha state received 188 millimeters.
Ahead of the storm, officials evacuated residents across the two states, opened more than 2,000 cyclone shelters, and deployed nearly 1,100 medical teams to support communities in the storm’s path. The NDRF deployed 39 teams across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha states, and other regions that could be affected.
Operations at three Andhra Pradesh airports were suspended, dozens of trains were canceled or rescheduled, and some schools were closed.
The storm struck almost exactly a year after Cyclone Montha battered the coastline, damaging roads, power infrastructure, and crops.
