Severe Cyclone ‘Arnab’ hits coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh
In Short
The cyclone, moving west north-west at a speed of 25km/h, was located around 300 km south-east of Visakhapatnam, 360 km east-southeast of Kakinada and 380 km south of Gopalpur.
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Severe Cyclone ‘Arnab’ hits coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh
Severe Cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’, which formed over the west central Bay of Bengal has intensified and hit several coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rains along with heavy gusty winds are reported from Srikakulam and other north coastal districts.
The cyclone, moving west north-west at a speed of 25km/h, was located around 300 km south-east of Visakhapatnam, 360 km east-southeast of Kakinada and 380 km south of Gopalpur. The system will continue its current path till Tuesday evening and head towards the coastal belt. It is expected to hit the coast on 28 October morning near Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
Large scale evacuations
Large scale emergency activities have been put in place in the vulnerable coastal areas, especially in Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. Heavy rains have hit areas, causing high waves and extreme weather changes. Heavy precautionary evacuations have been done in the Amalapuram division. Between 1,000 and 1,500 people are being moved to safe shelter areas, confirmed Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Saraladevi. Fishermen families have been moved from the Vasalatippa coast in Uppalaguptam Mandal. 400 fishermen were also moved from Nakkapalli in Visakhapatnam.
In order to reduce risk, officials have announced two days of holidays for all schools in the district from Tuesday. Citizens have been advised by District Collector Mahesh Kumar not to travel unnecessarily and multi-tier monitoring centres have been set up in the district, divisions and mandals.
Emergency contacts
Emergency control rooms and contact numbers have been set up by authorities:
State wide WhatsApp contact: Quick response can be obtained through the ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp service on 9552300009.
Visakhapatnam District & City
Collectorate emergency contact: 0891-2590100 / 0891-2590102
GVMC emergency contact: 1800-425-00009 (Free) WhatsApp: 9014218870
APEPDCL (Power): 7382299975
Medical: 8985181874 / 9398786818
Fisheries: 9491808388
(37 flood-prone areas have been identified within Visakhapatnam. 54 relief centres have been set up.)
Alluri Sitarama Raju District Collectorate
Landline: 08935-293448
Mobile: 9281856953
