Cyclone Arnab hits Andhra Pradesh, lashes North Chennai
Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast early Wednesday as a very severe cyclonic storm. North Chennai already experienced rough seas and flooded coastal roads.
High waves surged onto the Ennore Expressway on October 27 evening. The water disrupted traffic, pushed vehicles off the road, and swept away roadside stalls. Social media videos showed cars, autorickshaws, and two-wheelers drenched in water. The National Highways Authority of India closed the affected stretch. Port-bound trucks and local residents use this expressway between Ennore and Kasimedu harbour.
Police and the Greater Chennai Corporation diverted traffic through Ernavur Bridge, Murugar Kovil Road, Kathivakkam Beach, and Kathivakkam Bridge. This diversion prevented accidents.
Coastal settlements like Bharathiyar Nagar, Burma Nagar, Nettukuppam, Thalankuppam, and Chinnakuppam suffered impacts. Seawater entered Thalankuppam before receding away from homes. Fishing families in Kasi Kovil Kuppam and Thiruvottiyur reported water inside their houses. Local MLA N Senthil Kumar visited the area and urged residents to stay calm.
Police dispersed youths who climbed coastal rocks for selfies and videos despite the danger. The Indian Coast Guard spent two days ensuring fishing boats returned to shore. Very rough seas can generate four to six-metre waves.
North Chennai features a narrow shoreline with some stretches measuring only 20 to 30 metres wide. Engineers built groynes along parts of the coast to blunt the waves.
Officials in Odisha’s Gajapati district identified 15,000 vulnerable people ahead of the storm. They also set up 281 temporary shelters.
