Cabinet Secretary Dr. T. V. Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on 26th October 2026 to review preparedness for Cyclone Arnab developing in the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department reported the cyclonic storm was centered approximately 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands), 650 km east-southeast of Vishakhapatnam, and 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada at 0530 hours IST. The cyclone is forecast to move west-northwestwards until 27th October before turning northwestwards toward the Andhra Pradesh coast, expected to cross between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph by forenoon of 28th October 2026. The storm is subsequently predicted to affect districts in Telangana, southern Odisha, south and central Chhattisgarh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
State governments of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and the Union Territory of Puducherry reported implementing preparatory measures including adequate shelter arrangements, evacuation plans, and activation of District Control Rooms. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been placed on standby. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal and along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Yanam from 26th to 29th October, with those already at sea having returned.
Central ministries including Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Power confirmed all Standard Operating Procedures are in place with precautionary measures being taken to minimize damage. NDRF has deployed teams with additional teams on standby, while rescue and relief teams of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard along with ships and aircraft have been kept ready. The Indian Coast Guard has shepherded multiple ships/boats to jetties/shore with remaining vessels alerted to return. The Ministry of Home Affairs, NDMA, and IMD are continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the objective of zero loss of life and minimal damage to property and infrastructure, with instructions to restore essential services promptly after any damage. Additional alerts were recommended for Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to expected high rainfall. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretaries/senior officials of affected states, secretaries of various ministries, heads of NDMA, NDRF, IMD, Indian Coast Guard, and senior officers from MHA and IMD.