Cyclone Arnab kills six in India, leaves thousands without power

At least six people were killed and electricity supplies remained disrupted across parts of India’s eastern coast after Cyclone Arnab brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region, officials said.

The cyclone made landfall in Andhra Pradesh early Wednesday after being classified as a very severe cyclonic storm by the India Meteorological Department. 

However, The Times of India, citing local officials, reported nine deaths, while the official toll stood at six, according to Reuters.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said at least 15,000 electricity poles had been damaged, disrupting power supplies across several districts. Electricity had been restored in most areas, although restoration work continued in Konaseema and West Godavari.

More than 180,000 people were evacuated from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. Authorities also closed some schools and suspended certain train and flight services.