Cyclone Arnab kakinada Live Update: Kakinada on Red Alert as Severe Storm Approaches Andhra Coast

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Arnab, the first cyclonic storm of 2026 in the Bay of Bengal. According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is moving rapidly towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall on October 28.

Cyclone Arnab Current Location and Movement

As per the IMD National Bulletin No. 8 issued at 5:30 AM on October 26, 2026, Cyclone Arnab was located about:

• 590 km northwest of Sri Vijayapuram in the Andaman Islands
• 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam
• 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada
• 830 km east of Machilipatnam
• 910 km east of Bapatla

The system is moving west-northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph. It is very likely to intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by midnight of October 26 and into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the same region by October 27.

Cyclone Arnab Landfall Date, Time and Place

The IMD has predicted that Cyclone Arnab will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, 2026. At the time of landfall, the cyclone will have maximum sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph.

This landfall zone is critical because it includes major coastal cities like Kakinada, Machilipatnam, and Visakhapatnam. The stretch from Bapatla to Vizianagaram is being evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Why Red Alert for Kakinada District?

The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, and Krishna districts. A Red Alert means extremely heavy rainfall of more than 200 mm in 24 hours is expected on October 27 and 28.

An Orange Alert has been issued for Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts, where very heavy rainfall of 110 to 200 mm is forecast.

Along with rain, the IMD has warned of a storm surge of 1 to 1.5 meters above astronomical tide at the time of landfall, which could inundate low-lying areas of Kakinada and Yanam.

Impact on Kakinada: Fishing and Tourism Suspended

More than 4,800 fishing boats operating off the Kakinada coast have already returned and anchored safely at their respective harbors as of Monday morning. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has completely banned fishing activities in the Bay of Bengal until October 29.

Tourism activities along the Kakinada beach and Hope Island have been suspended. The district administration has set up control rooms and is monitoring the situation 24/7.

Will Schools and Colleges Remain Closed in Kakinada?

As of now, no official Government Order has been issued regarding school holidays. However, given the Red Alert and the expected landfall on October 28, a holiday for schools and colleges in Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and surrounding districts on October 27 and 28 is highly likely. Students are advised to follow the official announcements from the District Collector.

How is Cyclone Arnab Named?

The name Arnab was proposed by Bangladesh and pronounced as Ornab. According to the World Meteorological Organization’s naming system for the North Indian Ocean, this is the first cyclone name from the list for 2026. The naming helps in easy communication and awareness.

Is El Nino Responsible for Cyclone Arnab?

Climatologically, the formation of Cyclone Arnab aligns with conditions typical of an El Nino year. El Nino years are characterized by abnormal warming in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which causes tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere to form at lower latitudes and track predominantly toward the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu coasts.

Safety Precautions for People in Kakinada and Coastal AP

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, has directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. People living in low-lying areas from Bapatla to Vizianagaram are being evacuated to relief camps.

Residents are advised to:

1. Stay indoors on October 27 and 28 unless absolutely necessary.
2. Keep mobile phones, power banks, and emergency lights fully charged.
3. Stock essential medicines, drinking water, and dry food for two days.
4. Secure loose objects on rooftops and balconies.
5. Do not believe in rumors and follow only IMD and APSDMA official updates.
6. Fishermen should not venture into the sea at any cost.

Cyclone Arnab Live Tracker and Helpline Numbers

The IMD will issue hourly bulletins from October 27 onwards. You can track Cyclone Arnab live on the IMD website mausam.imd.gov.in or through the APSDMA app.

For emergencies in Kakinada district, contact the District Control Room. Stay tuned to Techvala.in for the latest live updates on Cyclone Arnab.

Conclusion

Cyclone Arnab is a very severe cyclonic storm and should not be taken lightly. While authorities are fully prepared, public cooperation is essential. With winds of up to 140 kmph and extremely heavy rainfall predicted, Kakinada and the entire coastal Andhra Pradesh need to be on high alert for the next 48 hours.