Cyclone 'Arnab' hits India's Andhra Pradesh coast, thousands moved to safety

Cyclone 'Arnab', which developed over the Bay of Bengal, began making landfall on the coast of India's Andhra Pradesh and Yanam from Tuesday night. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the centre of the cyclone is on the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast, south of Yanam.

The Meteorological Department has said the landfall process, including the rear part of the cyclone, will be completed soon. Winds of up to 150 km per hour have been blowing in coastal areas.

Heavy rainfall has been occurring in various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha since Wednesday morning. Thousands of people have been moved to safe locations from flood-risk areas.

The cyclone's effects have been felt in 13 Indian states, and schools have been closed due to bad weather. The same cyclone's influence is forecast to bring rain and snowfall to various parts of Nepal as well.