Bhubaneswar/Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up emergency preparations as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab approaches the eastern coast, with nearly 4,000 relief shelters readied, thousands of residents being evacuated and disaster response teams placed on high alert ahead of its expected landfall on Wednesday.

The approaching cyclone has already disrupted rail and air services, prompting the cancellation of at least 50 trains and two IndiGo flights. Restrictions have also been imposed on several coastal roads as authorities race to minimise damage and prevent casualties.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone was located approximately 140 km southeast of Kakinada and 170 km south of Visakhapatnam at 2.30 pm on Tuesday.

Moving at a speed of 18 kmph, the storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by Wednesday forenoon.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have already begun affecting parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, while the cyclone's influence is also being felt in West Bengal and neighbouring Jharkhand.

Andhra Pradesh readies over 2,100 shelters, shifts pregnant women to hospitals

The Andhra Pradesh government has established 2,131 cyclone shelters across 20 districts as part of extensive preparations to deal with the approaching storm.

Authorities have placed 1,087 medical teams on standby and arranged 8,281 emergency hospital beds and 1,274 ambulances in areas expected to experience severe weather.

In a precautionary measure, 1,351 pregnant women have been shifted to hospitals to ensure access to medical assistance during the cyclone.

The administration has also stocked two months' worth of essential commodities at 14,686 ration shops to prevent shortages if transport and supply networks are disrupted.

Cyclone warnings are being sent continuously to the mobile phones of approximately 2.70 crore people across the state.

According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the cyclone's impact is already visible in coastal areas.

Strong winds have begun sweeping through Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, while Srikakulam and other northern coastal districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall accompanied by powerful winds.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to ensure adequate supplies at relief camps and take all possible steps to minimise cyclone-related damage.

Over 50 trains cancelled, 600 km of railway tracks under watch

Railway operations across the region have been severely affected as authorities take precautionary measures ahead of the cyclone.

The Indian Railways has placed approximately 600 km of railway tracks under close surveillance, with emergency restoration teams and safety arrangements kept ready.

Control rooms and war rooms have been activated at the Railway Board, zonal and divisional levels to monitor the situation around the clock.

The South Coast Railway has cancelled 24 trains scheduled for Wednesday, while the East Coast Railway has cancelled 22 services. The South Eastern Railway has also cancelled four trains, bringing the total number of cancellations to 50.

Air services have also been disrupted, with two IndiGo flights connecting Vijayawada to Chennai and Bengaluru cancelled on Tuesday.

Restrictions on road traffic have been introduced in several vulnerable coastal stretches to reduce the risk to motorists and emergency personnel.

Odisha evacuates 48,000 people, deploys 294 rescue teams

In neighbouring Odisha, authorities have begun relocating approximately 48,000 people from vulnerable areas as heavy rainfall continues across parts of the state.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said around 11,000 people each would be evacuated from Gajapati and Nabarangpur districts.

Evacuation operations are also underway in Malkangiri, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Nuapada.

The Odisha government has prepared 135 permanent cyclone shelters and approximately 1,600 temporary shelters to accommodate residents moved from high-risk locations.

A total of 294 rescue teams have been deployed, including nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 60 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and 225 Fire Services teams.

Patil said the administration was working towards a "zero casualty" target, with district collectors instructed to prioritise the protection of lives and property.

As part of the preventive measures, schools in eight districts have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari warned that heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of rivers flowing through Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand could increase the risk of flash floods and waterlogging in western and northern Odisha.

Major ports, including Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur, have also strengthened their emergency arrangements in anticipation of the cyclone's impact.

Cyclone brings rain to West Bengal, heavy showers forecast

The approaching storm has also triggered rainfall across several parts of West Bengal.

Moderate showers were reported in the coastal districts of South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur on Tuesday afternoon.

Rainfall was also recorded in parts of Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, Howrah and Kolkata.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over the next two days in South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman.

Kolkata is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall during the same period.

In north Bengal, heavy showers are expected in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri on October 29 and 30.

Jharkhand issues heavy rain alert, Ranchi schools closed

The cyclone's effects are also expected to extend into Jharkhand, where authorities have announced precautionary measures in anticipation of heavy rainfall.

The Ranchi district administration has ordered schools to remain closed on October 28 and 29 following weather warnings.

A yellow alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan and East and West Singhbhum districts.

The warning will remain in effect for 24 hours beginning at 8.30 am on Wednesday.

The weather department has also cautioned residents about thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said eight to nine districts in Jharkhand could experience the cyclone's effects.