India evacuates nearly 100,000 people ahead of Cyclone Arnab, which hit the coast with gusts of up to 150 km/h

Indian authorities have evacuated nearly 100,000 people from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as Cyclone Arnab approached. The storm reached India’s southeastern coast on Wednesday, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with winds of up to 135 km/h and gusts of up to 150 km/h, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Approximately 50,000 people in Andhra Pradesh and another 48,000 in Odisha were urged to move to safe areas. In the port city of Kakinada, located near the cyclone’s eye, torrential rains caused flooding, while strong winds bent trees and generated large waves.

Meteorologists warned of major damage to homes with thatched roofs, localized flooding, and the collapse of electricity and telecommunications poles. Agricultural crops are also at risk.

Alerts were also issued in Sri Lanka and Nepal. In Sri Lanka, the military was mobilized and schools were closed due to the risk of flooding and landslides. In Nepal, the storm was expected to move toward the Himalayas overnight from Thursday to Friday, bringing heavy rain, snowfall, blizzards, and a risk of avalanches. Tourists were advised to avoid mountainous regions.