Cyclone Arnab Intensifies into Severe Cyclonic Storm; 53 Train Services Cancelled, States Step Up Precautionary Measures

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that Cyclone Arnab, which formed over the west-central Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.

As a precautionary measure, South Coast Railway has cancelled 53 train services scheduled for October 27 and 28. The railway has asked passengers to check train schedules and service updates before heading to stations.

Cyclone Arnab developed from a deep depression that formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal. It is likely to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh before noon on Wednesday. The IMD has warned that wind speeds could reach 115–125 kmph during landfall, with gusts of up to 140 kmph at times.

Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Tamil Nadu are among the states expected to be affected by the cyclone. Heavy rainfall is also likely in Keralam.

The IMD said on Monday that a deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining southeastern areas had intensified into Cyclone Arnab. The system is expected to develop into a very severe cyclonic storm by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, 210 pregnant women in Odisha’s Gajapati district were shifted to community health centres and primary health centres. District Collector Akshay Sunil Agarwal said the move was aimed at ensuring medical assistance for the women.

Authorities said arrangements were also being made in Andhra Pradesh to shift pregnant women to primary health centres, community health centres and hospitals.

The IMD said the cyclone was expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the early hours of October 28. Winds of 115–125 kmph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.

With the storm expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, the state government has stepped up preparations to deal with Cyclone Arnab.

An orange alert has been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh for October 29, as heavy rainfall and strong winds of 40–50 kmph are expected. The state administration has urged people to follow official weather warnings and take precautionary measures as the cyclone approaches the eastern coast.