India evacuates tens of thousands as Cyclone Arnab nears eastern coast in Andhra Pradesh state

Hyderabad, India (AP) — Indian authorities evacuated tens of thousands from vulnerable coastal pockets in Andhra Pradesh as a severe cyclone churned in the Bay of Bengal and was expected to make landfall along the eastern coastline. State disaster management officials said teams were moving residents from low-lying villages and near shore communities to shelters set up in schools, panchayat offices, and community centers. The evacuation was carried out with support from the National Disaster Response Force and state agencies, and comes after authorities issued alerts and ordered temporary closures to minimize risk. Fishermen were urged to stay ashore and fishing boats recalled as a precaution. Transport services, including some trains and buses, were disrupted in affected districts, and authorities closed schools in the most exposed areas while preparing relief materials and medical supplies. Officials warned of power outages and advised residents in vulnerable zones to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and monitor official updates. The situation remained fluid as meteorological agencies tracked the cyclone’s path and timing, with authorities ready to scale evacuations or shelter-in-place orders as needed. The aim is to protect lives while the cyclone makes landfall along the coast. Authorities urged residents in nearby districts to remain prepared for possible widening evacuation zones.