A cyclone that powered up over unusually warm ocean waters is taking aim at a section of India coastline that dense with billions of dollars of investment in data centers, underscoring the threats to infrastructure in a world where extreme weather is becoming more frequent. Heavy rains and powerful winds from Cyclone Arnab have severely affected coastal Andhra Pradesh, leaving five people dead. The severe cyclonic storm crossed the coast, uprooting trees, snapping power lines, and flooding low-lying areas.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the ground situation and announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported heavy downpours exceeding 200 mm in districts like Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram. Normal life came to a complete halt as transport services, flights, and trains faced major disruptions.
To keep people safe, hundreds of schools have been converted into relief and rehabilitation camps, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state teams are actively working on rescue operations, clearing blocked roads, and restoring electricity. Authorities have urged residents in coastal pockets to stay indoors and follow safety alerts as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next couple of days.
