Cyclone Arnab: Andhra Pradesh steps up preparations as storm nears coast

A massive disaster response effort is underway across coastal Andhra Pradesh as severe cyclonic storm lsquoArnabrsquo accelerates across the westcentral Bay of BengalMoving at a speed of 25 kmh over the past six hours the storm is projected to hit the coast near Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by Wednesday morning bringing strong winds and extremely heavy rainfallAccording to the India Meteorological Department IMD and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority APSDMA Cyclone Arnab was located approximately 300 km from Visakhapatnam 360 km from Kakinada 460 km from Machilipatnam and 530 km from Bapatla as of Tuesday morningAPSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain stated that the cyclone will hold its westnorthwestward track until Tuesday evening before moving northwestward toward the coastlineMeanwhile an Orange alert is issued in Visakhapatnam as light rain have already begun In the next 3 hours in places like Srikakulam Vizianagaram and Anakapalli light thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds reaching 5060 kmph are forcastedIMD warned that Cyclone Arnab is very likely to strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm at the time of mooring Coastal areas are expected to severely affected with sustained wind speeds of 115ndash125 kmh and gusts reaching up to 140 kmh The weather office has also forecasted extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places along the coastPreliminary assessments indicate that 16 districts encompassing 2460 revenue villages and 92 urban areas fall directly in the cyclones trajectory1763 Shelters Ready as Authorities Prepare for Severe WeatherTo reduce the impact and ensure a swift emergency response authorities have put extensive measures in place As many as 1763 cyclone shelters have been set backed by 2907 control rooms set up at district and mandal levels To oversee relief operations on the ground 3185 nodal officers have been deployedEvacuation protocols are already active across 2107 Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward units to shift vulnerable residents to safer locations Meanwhile teams from the National Disaster Response Force NDRF and State Disaster Response Force SDRF have been positioned across 11 highrisk districts to handle rescue and relief workAuthorities have put in place strict measures to safeguard lives and protect public infrastructure Public access to all beaches has been banned and movement along coastal roads will be fully suspended from Tuesday afternoonOn the fishermen safety front all those who had ventured into the sea have returned safely A total of 30043 fishing vessels have been anchored and secured at harboursTo ensure continuity of essential services special medical arrangements have been put in place in cycloneprone areas As many as 2613 emergency water tankers have also been kept ready for immediate deployment to prevent drinking water shortagesOfficials have issued an urgent advisory asking citizens in vulnerable regions to remain indoors stay alert and strictly adhere to official instructions as the state prepares for impactWith inputs from ANI