Cyclone Arnab: 609 Andhra Schools Become Shelters
The Andhra Pradesh government has converted 609 schools into temporary relief shelters as Cyclone Arnab struck the state’s coastline on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The storm brought heavy rainfall and winds reaching 135 kilometres per hour, forcing large-scale evacuations and disrupting transport, electricity and normal activities across several coastal districts.
Andhra Pradesh Converts 609 Schools Into Cyclone Shelters
Authorities have designated 609 school buildings as temporary accommodation for residents evacuated from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas.
The state government has identified more than 2,000 shelters across affected districts, with arrangements for food, drinking water, sanitation and medical assistance.
Schools in at least 10 districts were ordered closed as a precaution. Most closures covered October 27 and 28, while Anakapalli district extended its school holiday until October 29.
Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall Near Narsapur
Cyclone Arnab made landfall near Narsapur in West Godavari district around 3 am on Wednesday, bringing powerful winds and torrential rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department warned of winds reaching 125–135 kilometres per hour, with gusts approaching 150 kilometres per hour.
Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR and Polavaram were among the districts experiencing heavy rainfall.
Fallen trees, damaged electricity poles and waterlogging disrupted road transport and power supplies.
Chandrababu Naidu Orders Emergency Relief Operations
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prioritise evacuations, medical assistance and restoration of essential services.
More than 80,000 people had been moved to shelters by Wednesday morning.
The government deployed disaster response teams and prepared over 1,000 medical teams, ambulances and emergency hospital beds.
Flight and railway services were disrupted, while fishing activities remained restricted because of dangerous sea conditions.
Authorities continued monitoring flooding risks as the cyclone moved inland.
