Cyclone Arnab: 2 dead, over 50 trains, several flights cancelled; Andhra, Odisha worst-hit

Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours, bringing severe weather that included heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm is described as having crossed the coast between 2 am and 8 am before weakening from a very severe cyclonic storm to severe status, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Two fatalities were reported from separate electrocution incidents linked to the cyclone, with victims including a 53-year-old man in Visakhapatnam district and a woman in Anakapalli district. Authorities noted uprooted trees and electric poles, damaged roads, and disrupted electricity supply in multiple coastal districts.

Air travel across coastal Andhra Pradesh experienced widespread disruption, with flights canceled or suspended at several airports due to adverse weather. The Airports Authority and aviation authorities coordinated to manage safety and passenger advisories, and several services were affected through October 27-28.

Rail transport was also impacted as South Coast Railway canceled 57 trains and rescheduled 15 others in response to the cyclone, affecting services such as long-distance and express trains. Authorities cited passenger safety and operational challenges amid the weather conditions along the coast.

Local officials and the state chief minister’s office coordinated relief and restoration efforts, including road clearance, restoration of electricity after winds subside, and the provision of shelters, food, water, and medical facilities. Preparations included moving vulnerable populations and ensuring ongoing monitoring of water levels and crop damage estimates.