Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have closed schools, prohibited sea fishing, and kept rescue teams on standby ahead of Cyclone Arnab's expected landfall. (PTI Photo)

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up precautionary measures as Cyclone Arnab approaches the eastern coast, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that the cyclone will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the forenoon of October 28. The eastern coastal states shut schools, prohibited sea fishing, kept rescue teams on standby and stepped up security measures.

Cyclone preparedness intensified: With the storm expected to bring maximum sustained winds of 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have intensified preparedness measures, including school closures, fishing restrictions, evacuation planning and the deployment of emergency response teams.…