Cyclone Arnab weakens after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast. Heavy rain alert issued for Srikakulam, Manyam and Vizianagaram. 27 NDRF and SDRF teams on standby.
16 NDRF and 11 SDRF teams kept on standby
Heavy rain warning for Srikakulam, Manyam and Vizianagaram districts
Challapalli records 111.7 mm of rainfall by 5 p.m
Amaravati: Cyclone Arnab has weakened after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast near Narsapur, in the Yanam–Narsapur coastal stretch, between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain.
The system moved in a northwesterly direction at a speed of approximately 5 kmph during the six hours preceding the latest assessment. It weakened into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday afternoon and is expected to further weaken into a deep depression by Wednesday night, Mr. Jain said.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Srikakulam, Manyam and Vizianagaram districts on Thursday. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in other areas, according to the weather forecast issued by the authority.
Winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph are likely in the affected areas. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
The authority warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas. Residents have been urged to exercise caution and avoid crossing overflowing streams, canals and other watercourses.
A total of 16 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 11 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been positioned in cyclone-affected districts to undertake emergency response and rescue operations.
Of the NDRF teams, four arrived from Odisha and three from Delhi. The teams have been deployed across Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, Eluru, West Godavari, Krishna, Srikakulam, Bapatla, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Polavaram, Manyam, NTR and Visakhapatnam districts.
Fire and police personnel are also engaged in local restoration operations, including clearing fallen trees and removing obstructions from roads to facilitate the movement of emergency services.
Several locations recorded substantial rainfall by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the APSDMA.
The highest rainfall reported was 111.7 mm at Challapalli in Krishna district. Other significant recordings included:
The APSDMA has urged residents to remain alert despite the weakening of the cyclone, as rainfall and strong winds may continue to affect parts of the State. People have been advised to follow official warnings and cooperate with local authorities and emergency response teams.
