VIJAYAWADA: Cyclone Ditwah, which has weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to further weaken into a depression by Monday morning.
Despite the reduced intensity, coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly from Nellore to Krishna, remain on high alert for heavy rainfall, and possible flash floods.
Home Minister V Anitha, Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, and Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, held review meetings with their respective departments on Sunday. They directed district administrations in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema to remain vigilant, and be prepared to tackle any emergency.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system moved northwards at 5 kmph during the past six hours, and lay centered at 5:30 pm near latitude 11.8°N and longitude 80.6°E. It was positioned about 90 km east of Cuddalore, 130 km northeast of Karaikal, 90 km east-southeast of Puducherry, 180 km north-northeast of Vedaranniyam, and 140 km south-southeast of Chennai.
The minimum distance of the depression’s center from the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast was about 80 km.
The IMD forecast indicates the system will continue to move nearly northwards, parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline, and weaken further into a depression by Monday morning. Doppler Weather Radars at Karaikal and Chennai are closely monitoring its progress.
People in vulnerable areas advised to remain alert
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places across Ambedkar Konaseema, West Godavari, NTR, Krishna, Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa, Annamayya, Tirupati and Chittoor districts on Monday.
Thunderstorms with lightning are also expected in Yanam, while Rayalaseema districts may witness light to moderate showers.
APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain warned of gusty winds ranging between 45 and 65 kmph along the south coastal belt, with rough sea conditions persisting.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable coastal regions to remain alert and follow official instructions.
As a precautionary measure, the Nellore district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Monday. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana toured Nellore City on Sunday, reviewing civic works and interacting with residents to assess preparedness.