Cyclone Arnab triggers operational suspension at Visakhapatnam port

Port authorities at Visakhapatnam, India, have suspended all inward vessel movements and cargo operations due to adverse weather caused by Cyclone Arnab. Vessels in the outer harbour have been shifted to anchorage, a source said.

MAP: Projected path of Cyclone Arnab. India Meteorological Department

The very severe cyclonic storm made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, between Kakinada and Yanam in Puducherry, early Wednesday, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall to coastal areas. The storm later weakened into a severe cyclonic storm after crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Delays to vessel berthing are expected to affect both cargo and bunkering operations at ports along India’s east coast, the source added.

In Bangladesh, the Meteorological Department (BMD) warned that deep convective clouds associated with Cyclone Arnab could bring gusty or squally weather to maritime ports, the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas.

The ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to continue displaying cautionary signals, according to local media reports.

By Tuhin Roy

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