Cyclone Arnab hits Andhra Pradesh coast

Cyclone Arnab crossed into Andhra Pradesh early Wednesday morning with winds reaching 135 kph, or 84 mph. The storm, classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, caused widespread damage to infrastructure and vegetation along India's east coast.

At least 180,000 residents in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha had been moved to safety the day before landfall. Flights and train services were suspended, and schools in affected areas closed. Trees fell onto highways, and power supplies were cut in several regions.

India's Meteorological Department predicted a storm surge of up to 1.5 m above tide level. Officials warned that this surge could submerge low-lying parts of Andhra Pradesh. More than 12 million people live within the cyclone's expected path.

No casualties have been reported as of Wednesday. A resident of Kakinada district said, "No one knew whose house the water would rush into next or whose home would be submerged."

In Nepal, authorities suspended trekking permits for three days, citing risks of avalanches and snowstorms from Thursday through Saturday. This pause occurs during peak hiking season, when roughly 750 hikers typically receive permits daily. Nepal remains in recovery from an August glacial collapse that killed over 1,400 people.

Sri Lanka closed schools after its Department of Meteorology warned that the storm could cause flash floods and landslides.