# Cyclone ARNAB: NCMC reviews readiness; heavy rain likely in eastern UP and Bihar

URL: https://kasba.co.in/en/story/cyclone-arnab-ncmc-reviews-readiness-heavy-rain-likely-in-ea
Language: en · Section: Weather · Published: 2026-10-26
Source: PIB, "कैबिनेट सचिव डॉ. टी.वी. सोमनाथन ने बंगाल की खाड़ी में आने वाले चक्रवात से निपटने की तैयारियों की समीक्षा के लिए राष्ट्रीय संकट प्रबंधन समिति (NCMC) की बैठक की अध्यक्षता की", 2026-10-26, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2328453

Cabinet Secretary Dr T.V. Somanathan chaired an NCMC meeting on 26 October 2026 to review preparations for Cyclone ARNAB in the Bay of Bengal. The storm is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast, with heavy rain likely later in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

## What this means for you

The cyclone will mainly affect the Andhra Pradesh coast, so the direct impact on people in eastern UP and Bihar is limited. However, heavy rain is expected in these areas, so residents should follow weather warnings. Fishermen have been advised not to go to sea between 26 and 29 October.

## Key facts

- Cyclone ARNAB was centred over the Bay of Bengal at 05:30 IST on 26 October 2026.
- It is likely to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the morning of 28 October 2026.
- Wind speed may be 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph.
- Fishermen advised not to go to sea between 26 and 29 October.
- Indian Coast Guard has brought over 900 ships safely to shore or ports so far.

## What happened

Cabinet Secretary Dr T.V. Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) in New Delhi on 26 October 2026. The meeting reviewed preparations for the cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal. The NCMC is the top committee that reviews disaster preparedness.

## Where Cyclone ARNAB is

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) told the committee that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has now become Cyclonic Storm 'ARNAB'. At 05:30 IST on 26 October, it was centred over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It was about 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 910 km east of Bapatla.

## What may happen next

The cyclone is expected to move west-northwest till 27 October and then turn northwest towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. By the morning of 28 October 2026, it is likely to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, along Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, as a 'very severe cyclonic storm'. Wind speed may be 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph.

## Who will be affected

The direct impact will be on the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. Later, districts of Telangana, southern Odisha, south and central Chhattisgarh, as well as eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, may also be affected. The Cabinet Secretary said heavy rain is likely in eastern UP and Bihar, and directed the Home Ministry and IMD to alert these regions too.

## What preparations are in place

The meeting was told that enough shelter homes and safe evacuation arrangements are in place. NDRF and SDRF teams are on standby, and district control rooms have been activated. Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard rescue teams are ready with ships and aircraft. The Coast Guard has so far brought over 900 ships safely to shore or ports.

## What you should do

Fishermen have been advised not to go to sea between 26 and 29 October in the south-west and central Bay of Bengal and off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry. Those already at sea should return to shore immediately. People in eastern UP and Bihar should keep an eye on IMD warnings.

## Questions and answers

**Where will Cyclone ARNAB make landfall?**
Between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts by the morning of 28 October 2026. It may arrive as a 'very severe cyclonic storm'.

**Will it affect Uttar Pradesh and Bihar?**
Yes, heavy rain is likely in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Cabinet Secretary directed the Home Ministry and IMD to alert these regions as well.

**What is the advice for fishermen?**
Fishermen have been advised not to go to sea between 26 and 29 October in the south-west and central Bay of Bengal and off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry. Those already at sea should return to shore immediately.

**What rescue preparations are in place?**
NDRF and SDRF teams are ready, district control rooms have been activated, and Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard teams are on standby with ships and aircraft.

Kasba Desk, Kasba. This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing.