Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Cyclone Arnab has caused widespread damage in Andhra Pradesh after making landfall along the state’s coast early Wednesday, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain. The storm has reportedly claimed eight lives, damaged houses and disrupted transport and electricity services.

The cyclone crossed the coast near the Kakinada region at wind speeds of around 125–135 kmph. It has since weakened after moving inland, but its impact continues to be felt across several districts.

According to the information provided by state authorities, 31 houses were damaged, while more than 57,000 people from 764 affected villages were evacuated to safer locations. Around 60 trains and 21 flights at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports were reportedly cancelled.

Uprooted trees and electricity poles disrupted power supply in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Kakinada and West Godavari districts. Road connectivity was also affected in several areas due to flooding and damage to roads.

Cyclone Arnab brought heavy rainfall to Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli and Srikakulam districts. Visakhapatnam recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall by 3 am on Wednesday, according to the supplied report.

The Konaseema region was among the badly affected areas, with strong winds and heavy rain damaging infrastructure and disrupting normal life.

Rescue and relief operations have been intensified across the affected districts. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to clear roads, assist affected residents and restore essential services.

The Indian Air Force also transported 23 tonnes of relief materials to Vijayawada using two C-130J aircraft, according to the supplied information.

After causing widespread damage in Andhra Pradesh, Cyclone Arnab weakened into a deep depression. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system was moving northwards over areas adjoining south Odisha, south Chhattisgarh and northeastern Telangana.

The weather system has triggered rainfall alerts across several states. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Telangana and Chhattisgarh, while Jharkhand, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh are also expected to receive rain.

Odisha remains under close watch as the weakened system moves inland. Authorities are monitoring the situation and preparing for possible heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern districts.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to speed up relief and rescue operations and assess the damage. He has also spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation and sought central assistance for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Although the cyclone has weakened, authorities continue to focus on restoring transport and electricity services and providing assistance to people affected by the storm.