Andhra Pradesh Steps Up Preparations for Cyclone Arnab

Authorities in northern Andhra Pradesh have expanded preparations for Cyclone Arnab, arranging evacuations and shelters, restricting travel and cancelling transport services as the storm approaches the coast. The India Meteorological Department’s forecast, issued October 26, said the cyclone could cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. The forecast called for sustained winds of 115 to 125 km/h, with gusts up to 140 km/h, and heavy to extremely heavy rain in coastal areas. The IMD also forecast that the system could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. These are forecasts; the reports do not establish that landfall or resulting damage has occurred. In Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli, authorities announced traffic restrictions from 9 p.m. on October 27 and urged residents to travel only in emergencies. City bus services in Visakhapatnam were cancelled as a precaution. Officials are moving residents from vulnerable hill and low-lying areas to safer locations, but a total number of evacuees across the districts was not reported. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation said it had prepared 56 rehabilitation...