VIJAYAWADA: A low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, posing a potential threat to Andhra Pradesh’s coastal districts, the State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned.
APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain issued an urgent advisory on Tuesday, cautioning that the system could further strengthen into a cyclonic storm near the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by Wednesday afternoon. The depression, currently moving west-northwestwards, is likely to bring widespread heavy rainfall and strong winds across the State over the next five days.
“It could intensify further within 24 hours, producing gale-force winds of 35–55 kmph along the south coastal belt,” Jain said. Fishermen have been strictly prohibited from venturing into the sea until Saturday due to rough conditions.
Under the system’s influence, thunderstorms and heavy downpours are expected at several places across AP. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely in isolated areas of north and south coastal districts and Rayalaseema on Wednesday, while scattered heavy showers are forecast for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. District administrations in vulnerable coastal areas have been placed on high alert to prepare for possible flooding and disruption of essential services.
As of Tuesday evening, several regions had already received significant rainfall. Chilamanuru in Tirupati recorded the highest at 79 mm, followed by Atmakur (Nellore) at 77.2 mm, Mannarupoluru (Tirupati) at 69.7 mm, Gollagunta at 68.5 mm, Papamambapuram at 64.5 mm, Konduru at 63 mm, and Venkatagiri at 57 mm.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in isolated parts of Prakasam, Nellore, and Tirupati districts on Wednesday, while other areas may experience light to moderate rain with thunderstorms. On Thursday, Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, Chittoor, and Tirupati districts are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Moderate rains are expected in Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Kadapa, and Annamayya.
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to stay indoors. For emergencies, helplines 112, 1070, and 1800-425-0101 are available round the clock.
