Cyclone Arnab: Over 10,500 affected, one dead as severe weather hits 12 districts

Daily Mirror and Sri Lanka Mirror report that very severe Cyclone Arnab made landfall along India’s Andhra Pradesh coast, after developing over the Bay of Bengal. Daily Mirror says the storm’s impact on Sri Lanka’s weather had gradually weakened as it moved ashore.

Lankadeepa reports that at 2.30 a.m. on October 27 the storm was about 890 kilometres northeast of Kankesanthurai, near 15.9 degrees north and 85.4 degrees east. WhatNews also reports the approximate distance from Kankesanthurai and says the system had intensified to a very severe cyclonic storm.

Rupavahini News reports that the Meteorology Department issued a red alert on October 26, valid for 12 hours, warning of strong winds, rough seas and thunderstorms over parts of the Bay of Bengal. The department advised fishing and naval activities to avoid the specified sea areas and those already there to move to safer locations and follow further forecasts. Rupavahini said winds could reach 80–100 kilometres per hour and waves 3–4 metres.

EconomyNext reports that forecasters expected indirect effects to bring significant rain to several provinces over three days. Newsfirst reports that the weather department expected Arnab’s influence on Sri Lanka to ease from October 28. Daily Mirror and Newswire also report a diminishing influence; Sri Lanka Mirror reports winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour were expected in several areas.

Ada Derana and Hiru News report that warnings for fishing and naval activity were withdrawn as the storm weakened. Ada Derana’s other headline says showers were expected in several areas, while Newswire reports forecasts of showers and strong winds.