Cyclone Arnab intensifies in Bay of Bengal, likely to hit Andhra coast on October 28

Cyclone Arnab, active in the Bay of Bengal, has intensified. In its October 26 update, the India Meteorological Department said the storm is moving west-northwest and is likely to gain further strength.

It is expected to make landfall on October 28 between the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, in the area from Bapatla to Visakhapatnam.

At landfall, wind speeds could be 115 to 125 km/h, with gusts reaching 140 km/h. Coastal areas may see heavy to very heavy rain. High waves are feared at sea, and fishermen have been advised not to venture out.

A red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR and Krishna districts. Heavy rain is also forecast in Odisha's Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts. The alert level may vary by district and date.

People can check the Met department's official website for the latest update on the storm's current condition, wind speed and likely track. The tracker of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority also carries information on the likely track. Residents are urged to follow the administration's instructions, stay away from the coast and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

In the next 24 hours, heavy rain with strong winds of 60 to 80 km/h is likely in parts of Bastar, Dantewada and Sukma.

Such storms cause not only immediate damage but also economic impact later. Coastal economies depend on fishing, farming and tourism. Crop losses can push farmers into debt. Power outages affect industry and daily life at home. Damage to roads and bridges disrupts supply chains.

Experience from earlier storms shows that with proper preparation, loss of life can be greatly reduced, but property damage remains large. Climate change is making Bay of Bengal storms stronger. Higher sea temperatures give storms more energy, so such events could become more severe in future.