India braces for Cyclone Arnab with evacuations
Summary
India has ordered evacuations in southwestern Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Arnab nears landfall, with authorities warning of severe destruction, flooding and crop damage. Sri Lanka has also closed schools and warned of torrential rain, flash floods and mudslides.
Key Points
- Indian authorities ordered evacuations in southwestern Andhra Pradesh ahead of Cyclone Arnab, expected to strike by Wednesday as a very severe cyclonic storm.
- The India Meteorological Department said the storm could bring gusts of up to 140 km/h and cause widespread damage, flooding and destruction of thatched houses.
- Sri Lanka closed schools and placed the military on alert amid warnings of torrential rain, flash floods and mudslides.
- Andhra Pradesh authorities also moved more than 4,700 pregnant women from dangerous areas to hospitals and shut educational institutions in several districts.
