Cyclone Arnab kills three, forces evacuation of over 180,000, and disrupts travel across India

Cyclone Arnab has killed at least three people and disrupted air and rail travel across eastern India, with more than 180,000 residents evacuated and authorities in neighbouring Nepal restricting access to high-altitude trekking areas.

The cyclone made landfall in Andhra Pradesh today (Wednesday 28 October), bringing heavy rainfall and winds that damaged homes, uprooted trees, and interrupted electricity supplies.

India’s National Disaster Response Force confirmed three deaths in Andhra Pradesh, the state worst affected by the storm.

State authorities said that several train services were cancelled, at least 180 homes were damaged and 220 trees uprooted, while emergency response teams continued operations in affected communities.

Flight operations were suspended at Visakhapatnam Airport on 27 October, with Vijayawada and Rajahmundry airports also halting services later that evening, according to India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Air India reported six cancellations affecting services to Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, while Air India Express cancelled 13 flights, including connections involving Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Bangkok. IndiGo also suspended services at the three affected airports.

Authorities warned of further disruption across coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, with knock-on delays possible at other Indian airports.

The India Meteorological Department classified Arnab as a very severe cyclonic storm, with winds of 125–135km/h and gusts reaching 150km/h forecast around landfall.

Nepal suspends high-altitude trekking permits

The storm has also prompted travel restrictions in Nepal, where authorities have suspended the issuance of trekking permits for high mountain areas for three days.

The decision follows warnings that Arnab could bring heavy rainfall, snowstorms, and avalanches to the Himalayas between Thursday night and Saturday.

The restrictions coincide with Nepal’s peak trekking season, during which approximately 750 hikers obtain permits each day.

The disruption highlights the challenges of supporting travellers affected by severe weather, particularly in remote destinations where access and emergency evacuation may become more difficult.

Travellers undertaking high-altitude activities may face additional considerations relating to policy altitude limits, adventure sports cover, and emergency medical evacuation provisions.

Insurance protection for cancelled transport, interrupted trips, or additional accommodation expenses will depend on individual policy terms and applicable exclusions.

Authorities in India said the cyclone’s winds were expected to weaken as it moved inland, although further heavy rainfall remained a concern in surrounding areas.