Ports hoist signal number 3 as Cyclone Arnab crosses
Photo: REUTERS
The very severe Cyclone Arnab has struck Andhra Pradesh, India, prompting authorities to advise four maritime ports in Bangladesh to keep local cautionary signal number 3 hoisted under its influence.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) confirmed the information in a special bulletin on Wednesday.
The bulletin said the very severe Cyclone Arnab, situated over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, moved west-northwestward and crossed the Andhra coast of India.
The cyclone was centered over Andhra Pradesh and adjoining coastal regions. It is likely to advance northwestward and gradually weaken.
It added that deep convective clouds are forming over the North Bay of Bengal area under the influence of Cyclone Arnab. As a result, squally winds may sweep over the maritime ports, the North Bay of Bengal, and adjacent coastal areas.
The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to maintain local cautionary signal number 3. Fishing boats and trawlers stationed in the North Bay of Bengal have been directed to navigate cautiously near the coast until further notice.
According to Indian media reports, Cyclone Arnab slammed into the Andhra Pradesh coast early Wednesday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone was positioned over the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam for nearly 6 hours. The center of the cyclone was completely over land.
NDTV reported that heavy rain is occurring across several districts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab. A maximum rainfall of 315 mm was recorded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as of 8:30 am local time.
Meanwhile, more than 1,80,000 people were safely evacuated prior to the storm’s landfall. So far, no fatalities have been reported in the two states struck by Cyclone Arnab. Flights bound for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada have been canceled for Wednesday.
