Trees uprooted, roads flooded as Cyclone Arnab batters Andhra Pradesh, Odisha

UPDATED: Oct 28, 2026 12:27 ISTAndhra Pradesh is bearing the brunt of Cyclone Arnab, with torrential rain, winds gusting up to 150 kmph and seawater flooding homes and roads along the coast. Videos from affected areas show uprooted trees, inundated streets and residents stranded in floodwaters. In Kakinada, police rescued four people trapped near the Bombay Katta area. At least 91 trains and 21 flights were cancelled as authorities stepped up precautionary measures, while 84,396 people were evacuated to shelters across the state. As the cyclone moves towards Odisha, the state government has intensified evacuation efforts, shut schools in 16 districts and deployed hundreds of rescue teams. Red alerts have been issued for six districts, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in parts of southern Odisha. Both states remain on alert amid the threat of continued heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSNDA Sweeps Karnataka MLC Polls 4-0, BJP Takes 'Ballot Paper' Dig at CongressThe National Democratic Alliance secured a 4-0 clean sweep in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections across four constituencies, dealing a blow to the ruling Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party bagged the Northeast Teachers, West Graduates, and Southeast Graduates seats, while its ally Janata Dal (Secular) won the Bengaluru Teachers constituency. With the polling conducted through paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines, the Bharatiya Janata Party mocked the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, asserting that voters continue to back the NDA regardless of whether paper ballots or EVMs are used. The party also targeted Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on social media following the outcome. Responding to the results, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge maintained that while the party accepts democratic outcomes and will draw lessons, the defeat does not serve as a mandate on the performance of the state government due to the limited and specialised nature of the electorate comprising teachers and graduates.Cyclone Arnaud Weakens After Landfall; Coastal Andhra Pradesh And Odisha Face Rain FuryCyclone Arnaud completed its landfall process near the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast, weakening from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm. Gusty winds reaching up to 135 to 150 kilometres per hour, accompanied by heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, impacted coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of northern Tamil Nadu. Widespread waterlogging, overflowing canals, and uprooted trees were reported across several low-lying areas, causing vehicular damage and commuter disruption. Authorities prioritised a zero-fatality objective, leading to extensive pre-emptive evacuations with approximately 85,000 residents relocated to safer high-rise areas and relief centres across vulnerable districts. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has been closely monitoring the situation as rescue personnel and ground authorities work to clear blocked roads and manage drainage. Weather officials warned that despite weakening, coastal regions remain vulnerable to post-landfall cyclonic storm surges and heavy rainfall over the subsequent 24 hours.Demolished Mosques Row, CJI Post Row: Apology By KPCC Chief & Remarks By ClericA political controversy erupted following remarks made by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani at a conference in Saharanpur's Darul Uloom Deoband campus. Addressing the gathering, Madani alleged that Muslim identity, culture, and institutions are facing targeting, stating that demolished mosques would be restored and resound with the azan. Meanwhile, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Sunny Joseph tendered an unconditional apology to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over an unauthorised post on social media handle INC Keralam demanding the CJI's resignation. The party clarified that the media strategist behind the post acted without leadership approval and has been removed from his post.Tamil Nadu Hikes Auto Fares; Minimum Base Fare Doubled To Rs 50The Tamil Nadu government has announced a revision in auto-rickshaw fares across the state, doubling the minimum base fare from 25 rupees to 50 rupees for the first 1.8 kilometres. Additionally, the rate for every subsequent kilometre has been increased from 12 rupees to 25 rupees. The revision comes following long-standing demands and multiple protests staged by the Auto Drivers Association calling for a fare hike after over a decade.