Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast early Wednesday morning, causing damage in several areas and bringing heavy rainfall to coastal districts. The very severe cyclonic storm made landfall between 2 am and 8 am before weakening into a severe cyclonic storm.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone crossed the coast southwest of Yanam near latitude 16.45°N and longitude 81.90°E. At the time, its centre was approximately 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur, 40 km southwest of Yanam and 60 km southwest of Kakinada.
Several coastal areas experienced heavy rainfall as the storm moved inland, while strong winds damaged trees and electricity infrastructure.
Cyclone Arnab Causes Damage in Coastal Andhra Pradesh
The cyclone left a trail of damage across affected parts of Andhra Pradesh, with trees uprooted and electricity poles brought down. The damage disrupted normal activities in several locations.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed state officials to take necessary measures to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Reports also indicated that two people were electrocuted in separate incidents. The circumstances surrounding these incidents and the official casualty figures require confirmation from the relevant authorities.
How Cyclone Arnab Developed Over the Bay of Bengal
According to the reports cited in the source material, Cyclone Arnab was the first cyclone of 2026 to develop over the North Indian Ocean basin.
The weather system originated as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal on October 23. It strengthened over the following days and developed into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27. The system subsequently weakened to a severe cyclonic storm as it crossed the coast, as reported by The Indian Express.
India’s eastern coastline is vulnerable to cyclones forming over the Bay of Bengal. Odisha and West Bengal face considerable exposure, while Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are also at risk from such weather systems.
Is El Niño Linked to Cyclone Arnab?
El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterised by unusually warm surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It can influence weather patterns around the world, including rainfall and temperatures, although its effects differ across regions and seasons.
However, determining whether El Niño played a role in Cyclone Arnab’s formation or intensification requires scientific evidence. Tropical cyclones develop through the interaction of several atmospheric and oceanic conditions, including sea-surface temperatures, moisture levels, wind shear and large-scale atmospheric circulation.
The relationship between El Niño and cyclone activity over the North Indian Ocean is complex. Therefore, any direct connection between El Niño and Cyclone Arnab should be established through an authoritative meteorological assessment rather than assumed.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided and reports cited in the source material. Storm intensity, location, damage assessments and casualty figures may be updated as official information becomes available. Readers should consult the India Meteorological Department and relevant government authorities for verified updates and weather advisories.