Zillar Barta Desk,New Delhi : The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has intensified its preparedness measures ahead of Cyclone Arnab, with 31 response teams deployed across regions expected to be affected by the approaching storm. NDRF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohsen Shahedi said a coordinated strategy had been finalised following high-level meetings involving disaster management authorities and other key stakeholders.
The preparations come as Cyclone Arnab moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast over the Bay of Bengal. Authorities are coordinating emergency response arrangements, evacuation preparedness and public safety measures to minimise the potential impact of the severe weather system.
According to Shahedi, a coordination meeting was held on Sunday under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), followed by a meeting chaired by the Cabinet Secretary on Monday. These discussions helped finalise the deployment strategy and preparedness arrangements for the states and Union Territories likely to be affected.
The NDRF has positioned its personnel across Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh, while other areas are also being monitored for possible rainfall-related impacts. The deployment is intended to ensure that trained rescue personnel can respond quickly if flooding, damage to infrastructure or other emergencies occur.
Shahedi said that 31 NDRF teams had been requested for deployment across the regions likely to face the cyclone's impact, and those teams had been deployed.
The distribution of teams across vulnerable areas is an important part of the emergency response plan. By positioning personnel in advance, authorities aim to reduce delays in rescue operations and improve coordination with state disaster response agencies and local administrations.
NDRF teams are trained to undertake a range of emergency operations, including evacuating people from dangerous locations, rescuing residents trapped by floodwaters, assisting in search-and-rescue operations and supporting relief efforts after a disaster.
The force also works with state authorities to identify vulnerable settlements and prepare for situations in which residents may need to be moved to safer locations.
With the cyclone approaching the eastern coast, the deployment strategy is focused on readiness, rapid mobilisation and cooperation among multiple agencies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Cyclone Arnab could cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, 2026, as a very severe cyclonic storm.
The forecast issued on October 26 indicated maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 140 kilometres per hour. The storm was also expected to affect parts of Telangana, southern Odisha and south and central Chhattisgarh, with heavy rainfall possible farther inland, including eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
These forecasts have prompted authorities to strengthen emergency preparations in coastal and inland districts.
Strong winds and intense rainfall associated with a cyclone can damage houses, uproot trees, disrupt electricity and telecommunications, damage roads and affect essential public services. Coastal areas may also face dangerous sea conditions, heavy rainfall and storm surges.
The exact impact will depend on the storm's track, intensity, rainfall distribution and local geographical conditions. Authorities have therefore urged residents to follow official IMD forecasts and instructions issued by local administrations.
The NDRF's deployment forms part of a broader national preparedness effort coordinated by central and state agencies.
The National Crisis Management Committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, reviewed the preparations and assessed the readiness of the relevant departments and state administrations. Senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry briefed the committee on evacuation arrangements, shelter facilities and other precautionary measures.
District control rooms have been activated to monitor developments and coordinate local responses. Authorities are also working to ensure that emergency services, relief materials and essential supplies can be mobilised when necessary.
The NDRF is coordinating with State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs), police, local administrations and other emergency agencies to strengthen the response network.
The Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have also kept rescue and relief resources ready. Ships and aircraft are available for supporting operations if the situation requires their involvement.
The Cabinet Secretary has stressed that the central objective is to prevent loss of life, minimise damage to property and infrastructure, and restore essential services as quickly as possible after any disruption.
