VISAKHAPATNAM: After three days of continuous downpour, the Coastal Andhra region Sunday witnessed a major decrease in rainfall. The depression over Northwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal, off North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast, has moved Nortwestwards and crossed South Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Puri Sunday morning. The system which lay centered at about 90 km Southeast of Phulbani, has moved north-westwards and is likely to weaken gradually into a well marked low pressure area by Monday evening.
However, the Indian Meteorological Department authorities issued a heavy rainfall warning for the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari in Coastal Andhra for the next 48 hours. The officials said that as the southwest monsoon has been vigorous over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, fishermen are advised against venturing into the sea. Those who have already ventured into the sea for fishing, have been advised to be homebound.
“Under the influence of a depression, strong surface winds speeding upto 45 kmph to 50 kmph from Westerly direction are expected in the next 24 hours, along and off north Coastal Andhra,” said the duty officer at the Cyclone Warning Centre (CWC) in Visakhapatnam.
Many parts of north Coastal Andhra and the Godavari districts experienced moderate rain Sunday. Rain occurred at most places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and at isolated places over Rayalaseema. Itchapuram in Srikakulam district received a whopping 20 cm rainfall, the highest in the state, over a 24-hour period till Sunday morning. Sompeta and Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district received 12 cm and 11 cm during the corresponding period.
