Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have stepped up disaster preparedness as Cyclone Arnab is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds across vulnerable areas. Odisha has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five districts to remain closed on October 28 and 29, while rescue teams and evacuation shelters have been readied. Authorities have urged fishermen to stay ashore and directed officials to prioritise evacuations, healthcare preparedness and the protection of lives and essential services.
Odisha Mobilises Rescue Teams
The Odisha government has intensified its disaster-response preparations as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will remain closed on October 28 and 29. District Collectors in other areas have been authorised to decide on closures according to local conditions.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparations at a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar and directed departments to coordinate their response, with the aim of preventing casualties. He expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness, saying, “Departments have been assigned specific responsibilities and our primary objective remains zero casualties.”
Around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 Fire Services teams have been placed on alert. Ganjam District Collector Keerthi Vasan V said 100 cyclone shelters had been prepared, with another 1,000 temporary locations identified to accommodate people if evacuations become necessary. Authorities have also been directed to prioritise elderly residents, pregnant women and patients who may need assistance reaching safer locations or healthcare facilities.
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Step Up Precautions
Andhra Pradesh is preparing for the possibility of severe weather as the IMD forecasts the system to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around the forenoon of October 28. The system could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph, according to weather reports.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain on high alert, warn residents in low-lying areas and ensure that fishermen return safely. Of Andhra Pradesh’s 30,043 fishing boats, 29,952 had returned to their landing centres, while 91 were still heading towards the coast, according to a report published on October 24. Officials have also prepared for possible power disruptions and established control rooms to coordinate emergency responses.
In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, cyclone warning signals have been hoisted at nine ports, including Chennai, Ennore, Kattupalli, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Pamban and Thoothukudi, as the system intensifies. Puducherry and neighbouring areas have experienced persistent rainfall, with waterlogging reported in several localities. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas, prompting authorities to monitor coastal conditions. Residents have been advised to follow official weather bulletins and local administration instructions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
As coastal communities prepare for another potentially dangerous weather event, the priority must remain the protection of human lives, livelihoods and essential services. Early warnings, timely evacuations and clear communication can significantly reduce the risks faced by fishing families, children, older people and residents of vulnerable settlements. Authorities must ensure that shelters are accessible, adequately supplied and equipped to support people with disabilities, pregnant women and those requiring medical care. Equally important is the responsibility of citizens to follow safety advisories, avoid unnecessary travel to exposed coastal areas and help neighbours who may need assistance.
Preparedness should extend beyond emergency announcements to include reliable public information, coordinated relief efforts and long-term investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. Cyclones cannot always be prevented, but their human cost can be reduced through collective responsibility, transparent administration and community solidarity. What more can governments and local communities do together to ensure that vulnerable families are protected before, during and after a cyclone?
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