Cyclone Arnab kills 3 in Andhra Pradesh, damages 31 houses as storm weakens

Three people have died in Andhra Pradesh after Cyclone Arnab battered the state's coastline, damaging houses, uprooting trees and electricity poles and disrupting normal life.

According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), a senior National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officer confirmed three deaths and damage to 31 houses on Wednesday, October 28.

The cyclone crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts early Wednesday before weakening from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

North coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha have been among the worst-affected areas, with strong winds and heavy rainfall reported across several districts.

The storm has also damaged roads, disrupted electricity supplies and uprooted trees and power poles. Heavy rainfall has affected coastal areas, while restoration and relief operations are underway.

Authorities have deployed NDRF teams across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and neighbouring regions to manage the aftermath and respond to further weather-related emergencies.

The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall could continue in affected areas even as the cyclone gradually loses strength.