Cyclone Arnab: Bapatla district sets up 24-hour control room, releases emergency helpline numbers
Residents of Bapatla district in coastal Andhra Pradesh can now reach a dedicated round-the-clock control room for help, after the district administration released a set of emergency helpline numbers for use during cyclonic conditions and heavy rain associated with Cyclone Arnab.
District Collector V. Vinod Kumar announced the arrangements in a press release issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The control room has been set up to receive distress calls and coordinate relief and rescue responses from various departments.
District Control Room: The public can call 08643-220226 at any hour. A separate WhatsApp helpline, 8712417880, has also been activated, and residents are asked to share their geographical location on the messaging service so that assistance can reach them faster.
Power supply complaints: The Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) has issued separate numbers for different areas. The Bapatla Circle helpline is 92814 13774. For the Bapatla division, the number is 94910 52945, and for the Repalle division it is 94408 17597.
Revenue Divisional Officer offices: Residents can also approach the RDO offices in their area. The Repalle RDO office can be contacted on 08648-293795 or 94407 80426. The Chirala RDO office number is 87126 55910, while the Bapatla RDO office can be reached on 94938 03524.
The district administration has urged people to use these helplines to report emergencies and to seek assistance during adverse weather. Officials advised residents to keep their phones charged, store drinking water and essential medicines, and follow only official updates rather than unverified messages circulating on social media.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is routinely exposed to cyclonic systems that form over the Bay of Bengal between October and December, and district administrations in the region maintain control rooms during such periods as part of standard disaster-preparedness protocol. Residents in low-lying areas are generally advised to remain alert to evacuation instructions issued by local revenue officials.
People facing an emergency have been asked to call the control room first. Those reporting power outages, fallen poles or damaged lines should use the APCPDCL numbers for their respective division.
