Cyclone Arnab makes landfall near Yanam on Andhra Pradesh coast
Why in the news
Cyclone Arnab crossed India’s east coast near Yanam in Andhra Pradesh early on 28 October 2026, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.
Key facts
- Landfall: near Yanam on the Andhra Pradesh coast, early on 28 October 2026.
- Category at landfall: very severe cyclonic storm, the third-highest grade on India’s scale; it was downgraded to a severe cyclonic storm after moving inland.
- Wind speed: up to 135 kph (84 mph).
- Storm surge: the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast up to 1.5 m above tide level.
- Areas hit: Kakinada district was badly affected; Visakhapatnam reported fallen trees and power supply was disrupted.
- Evacuation: at least 1.8 lakh people were shifted from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha a day before landfall; over 1.2 crore people live along the expected path.
- Odisha: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri faced heavy rain and flash-flood risk; train and bus services were cut back.
- Track: IMD expected it to become a deep depression by the evening of 28 October and cross Malkangiri in Odisha.
| Stage | Intensity |
|---|---|
| At landfall | Very severe cyclonic storm (winds up to 135 kph) |
| After moving inland | Severe cyclonic storm |
| Forecast for evening of 28 October | Deep depression |
About Cyclone Arnab
The name Arnab was proposed by Bangladesh. The system was forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. Fishermen were told to stay off the sea while it remained active.
Exam angle
- Know the IMD grading: depression, deep depression, cyclonic storm, severe, very severe and higher categories.
- Landfall point: Yanam on the Andhra Pradesh coast; name given by Bangladesh.
- Storm surge forecast: up to 1.5 m; peak winds: 135 kph.