Cyclone Arnab, classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, is projected to make landfall between Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 28, with sustained winds of 115‑125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h.
In response, Odisha shut schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in six southern districts on October 28‑29, while Andhra Pradesh halted fishing and beach access and declared schools closed across the state.
The National Crisis Management Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, ordered a nationwide readiness plan, directing the Ministry of Home Affairs, the IMD and state disaster agencies to alert eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of potential heavy rains.
Rescue forces, including the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and the Indian Coast Guard, have positioned 15 teams across coastal districts, with additional units on standby; the Coast Guard has moved ships to jetties and called for vessels to return to shore.
Financially, the Andhra Pradesh government released ₹27 crore to 20 districts for relief, allocating ₹2 crore each to key districts, while Odisha's Agriculture Department urged farmers to harvest crops that are 80‑85 % mature and opened helplines for assistance.
With the cyclone's eye expected to pass the coast on the morning of October 28, officials will conduct a final briefing at 0900 hrs to confirm evacuation orders and the activation of emergency shelters for vulnerable residents.