Andhra Pradesh has activated state and district emergency control rooms as Cyclone Arnab intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to strengthen before making landfall on the state’s coast on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several coastal districts on Tuesday and Wednesday and warned that sea levels could rise in low-lying areas.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has released emergency contact numbers for residents seeking assistance in cyclone-affected areas. APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain urged people to remain alert, follow official safety instructions and use designated helplines for emergency support. Assistance is also available through the Mana Mitra WhatsApp service.
The state-level numbers are 112 for emergency assistance, 1070 for the State Disaster Management Control Room, 1800 425 0101 for the disaster management helpline and 9552300009 for Mana Mitra WhatsApp support.
District control rooms have been listed for Srikakulam at 08942-240557; Vizianagaram at 8922236947; Parvathipuram Manyam at 08963-450347; Alluri Sitharama Raju at 8935293448; Visakhapatnam at 0891-2590102 and 0891-2590100; Anakapalli at 08924-222888, 08924-226599 and 08924-225999; Kakinada at 0884-2356801 and 9849903879; Konaseema at 8856293104; East Godavari at 8832944455; West Godavari at 08816-299181; Eluru at 18002331077 and 9494041419; and Polavaram at 18004254225.
Additional control rooms are available in Tirupati at 0877-2236007; Markapuram at 9248702500; Krishna at 08672-252399; NTR at 9154970454; Guntur at 0863-2234014; Bapatla at 08643-220226; Prakasam at 08592-295600 and 18004250277; and Nellore at 7995576699.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain on high alert, coordinate emergency operations and issue regular public warnings. National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams have been kept ready for rescue and relief operations, while power department personnel have been prepared for swift restoration work if supply is disrupted.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Residents in vulnerable areas have been asked to follow official instructions and relocate when required. The state authorities’ next steps are to maintain emergency coordination, issue public warnings and respond through the designated control rooms as Cyclone Arnab approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
