Cyclone ‘Arnab’: Flights, trains cancelled as rain batters A.P.; 30,000 boats brought ashore; southern Odisha on edge

Meteorologists have tracked Cyclone Arnab as it moved westward across the Bay of Bengal, gaining strength before its predicted landfall at dawn on Wednesday. The system is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and a storm surge that could affect coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states. Residents have been warned to secure property and stay indoors as the cyclone approaches, and authorities have issued alerts through radio, television and digital platforms.

In response to the imminent threat, the government of Andhra Pradesh ordered the cancellation of several domestic flights and long‑distance train services to reduce the risk of passengers being caught in severe weather. The state also directed the retrieval of approximately 30,000 fishing boats that were anchored along the coastline, moving them to safe harbors to prevent loss of livelihood and potential hazards at sea. Emergency shelters have been prepared in districts most likely to experience flooding, and relief teams are on standby to provide food, water and medical assistance.

Further north, the administration in Odisha took pre‑emptive steps by shutting down ghat roads that connect hill regions to the plains, imposing strict transport curbs and launching a massive evacuation of vulnerable communities. Officials have mobilised police, fire services and disaster response units to assist in moving families to safer locations. The measures are intended to protect lives and property, as the state has a history of severe damage from cyclonic storms that affect agriculture, infrastructure and local economies. For readers in India, the coordinated response highlights the importance of preparedness during the annual cyclone season, which can disrupt travel, trade and daily life across multiple states.