Bapatla district prepares 174 relief centres to combat Cyclone Arnab

District Collector V. Vinod Kumar reviews the preparedness plan for Cyclone Arnab with officials at the Collectorate in Bapatla on Tuesday.

The Bapatla district administration has stepped up precautionary measures to tackle Cyclone Arnab, with Collector V. Vinod Kumar directing officials of all departments to remain alert and coordinate efforts to prevent loss of life and property.

The Collector reviewed the preparedness measures through video conferences with district and mandal-level officials on Tuesday. He also participated in a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu from the State Secretariat in Amaravati.

The Collector said there was no rainfall or strong winds in Bapatla district as of 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Control rooms were established at the Collectorate, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and mandal offices to respond to emergencies. As many as 174 relief centres were set up, with arrangements made to provide food through members of self-help groups (SHGs).

Holidays were declared for all government and private educational institutions on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure. Tourist destinations were closed, and widespread publicity, including through social media, was undertaken to discourage visitors from entering vulnerable areas.

The district has seven drains, and sandbags have been kept ready near drains and water channels, drawing on the experience of last year's cyclone. Irrigation officials were instructed to place additional sandbags wherever necessary to prevent rainwater from entering houses and residential areas.

The Collector directed officials to clean village drainage systems, prevent water stagnation and continuously monitor local conditions. Employment guarantee workers and industrial employees should not be allowed to work during the period of risk. Fishermen were also advised against venturing into the sea.

Health officials were instructed to ensure adequate medicines, generator sets and emergency lighting at community and primary health centres, with doctors and medical staff remaining available.

The Collector urged all departments to maintain field-level vigilance and respond immediately to emergencies, stressing that public safety must remain the administration's top priority until the cyclone threat subsides.

Published - October 27, 2026 07:38 pm IST