Amaravati, October 29, 2026: Cyclone Arnab has triggered a flash flood alert across 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh after extremely heavy rainfall battered several parts of the state. Garividi recorded a staggering 26 centimetres of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on October 28, prompting concerns over flooding in low-lying areas and vulnerable communities.
The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Cyclone Warning Centre issued a moderate-to-high flash flood risk warning covering 13 Andhra Pradesh districts and Yanam. The warning was valid until 5:30 am on Thursday, October 29, as authorities monitored the risk of rapid surface runoff and inundation.
Flash Flood Warning: 13 Andhra Pradesh Districts on Alert
The IMD identified the following districts as being at risk of flash flooding:
- Bapatla
- Guntur
- NTR
- Krishna
- Eluru
- East Godavari
- Kakinada
- Alluri Sitarama Raju
- Visakhapatnam
- Vizianagaram
- Anakapalli
- Parvathipuram Manyam
- West Godavari
The warning highlighted the possibility of flooding in vulnerable watersheds and neighbourhoods, particularly where the ground is already saturated by heavy rainfall. Low-lying settlements and areas with poor drainage could face additional difficulties if further rain occurs.
Garividi Records 26 Cm Rainfall
The intensity of rainfall across northern Andhra Pradesh has been a major concern following the cyclone’s passage.
Garividi recorded the highest rainfall among the locations listed in the report, with 26 cm. Several other locations also experienced exceptionally heavy downpours.
| Location | Rainfall recorded |
|---|---|
| Garividi | 26 cm |
| Anakapalli | 25 cm |
| Srungavarapukota | 25 cm |
| Vepada | 25 cm |
| Cheepurupalle | 25 cm |
| Bheemunipatnam | 24 cm |
| Mentada | 24 cm |
| Yelamanchili | 24 cm |
| Gantyada | 23 cm |
| Ranasthalam | 23 cm |
The figures cover the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on October 28. The heavy rainfall increased the risk of waterlogging, overflowing drainage systems and sudden flooding in susceptible areas.
Strong Winds and Coastal Flooding Risks
Cyclone Arnab also brought strong winds to parts of the Andhra Pradesh coast. According to the reported IMD observations, Machilipatnam recorded a maximum sustained wind speed of 96 kmph during the 24-hour reporting period.
Visakhapatnam and Kakinada recorded sustained winds of 80 kmph each, while Kalingapatnam recorded 70 kmph.
The weather department also issued a storm surge warning for the North Andhra coast and parts of the Odisha coast during the cyclone’s passage. These conditions raised concerns about coastal inundation and damage in exposed areas.
Cyclone Arnab Weakens After Landfall
The IMD reported that Cyclone Arnab had completed landfall by 8 am on October 28. The system was subsequently expected to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken.
However, weakening wind speeds do not immediately eliminate the danger of flash floods. Heavy rain can leave soil saturated and rivers, streams and drainage channels under pressure, allowing additional rainfall to trigger flooding even after a cyclone loses strength.
Meteorologists continued to monitor the system’s movement and the possibility of further rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
More Rain Forecast Across Andhra Pradesh
The weather department forecast continued rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of Andhra Pradesh through early November.
Heavy rainfall was expected at isolated locations in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 29. Further thunderstorms and lightning were forecast during the following days, with isolated heavy rainfall possible on November 1, 2 and 3.
Residents were advised to follow official weather bulletins and local administration instructions, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
Chandrababu Naidu Seeks Central Assistance
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to explain the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and seek assistance for relief and restoration efforts.
The state government’s request focused on supporting affected communities and facilitating rehabilitation and the restoration of essential services following the severe weather.
The extent of damage and the recovery requirements were expected to become clearer as assessments continued across the affected districts.
Safety Advisory for Residents
Residents in flood-prone areas should remain alert to warnings issued by the IMD and local authorities. People should avoid crossing flooded roads, streams or drainage channels and should not attempt to drive through waterlogged underpasses.
Those living in low-lying areas should be prepared to move to safer locations if evacuation instructions are issued. Residents should also stay away from fallen power lines and report dangerous conditions to the relevant authorities.
Conclusion
Cyclone Arnab has left parts of Andhra Pradesh facing significant rainfall-related risks, with Garividi recording 26 cm of rain and a flash flood alert issued for 13 districts. Although the cyclone was expected to weaken after landfall, saturated ground and the possibility of further rainfall continued to pose risks to vulnerable communities.
The coming days will be important for relief operations and recovery efforts as authorities monitor flooding, assess damage and respond to the needs of affected residents.
