The National Crisis Management Committee met under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary, Dr. T. V. Somanathan to discuss the ongoing preparations for cyclonic storm 'ARNAB', which is forecast to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast as a very severe cyclonic storm.
On October 26, 2026, the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. T. V. Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to review preparedness for the impending cyclone 'ARNAB' in the Bay of Bengal.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over East central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm ‘ARNAB’. As of 0530 hrs IST, it was located about 590 km Northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands) 650 km East-Southeast of Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 730 km East-Southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 830 km East of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 910 km East of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh).
The Director General, India Meteorological Department (IMD) briefed the Committee that 'ARNAB' is forecast to move west-northwestwards till October 27 and then northwestwards towards Andhra Pradesh coast. It is likely to cross Andhra Pradesh & Yanam (Puducherry) coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm with the maximum sustained wind speed of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph by forenoon of October 28, 2026. Thereafter it is likely to affect districts in Telangana, Southern Odisha, South & Central Chhattisgarh apart from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The Chief Secretaries/ Senior officials of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and the Union Territory of Puducherry apprised the Committee of the preparatory measures being undertaken by the State Governments/ local administration. It was informed that adequate shelters and evacuation arrangements have been made, and necessary NDRF and SDRF teams have been kept on standby. District Control Rooms have also been activated and they are monitoring the situation.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, and along and off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Yanam (Puducherry) from October 26. Those already at sea have returned.
Central Ministries/Departments attending the meeting informed the Committee that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place, necessary guidelines have been issued, and precautionary measures are being taken to minimise damage due to the impact of the cyclonic storm. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) informed that they have deployed teams, with additional teams on standby. Rescue and relief teams of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard, along with their ships and aircrafts, have been kept ready.
Indian Coast Guard has so far shepherded multiple ships/boats to jetties/shore, and the remaining ships have been alerted to return to the coast.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
