Heavy rain threat looms as Bay depression nears coast

Amaravati: The state government stepped up its preparedness for heavy rains and possible flooding as a deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moves closer to the state coast, with authorities putting disaster-response teams and field machinery on alert.

Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reviewed the situation with senior officials at the disaster management authority office and directed the administration in vulnerable districts to remain on high alert. She particularly cautioned people in North Andhra, saying the next three days would be critical. AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSMDA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain informed the Minister that the depression was centred about 180 km from Gopalpur in Odisha, 180 km from Kalingapatnam and 270 km fromVisakhapatnam.

It was likely to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur either on Wednesday night or in the early hours of Thursday, he said.

The depression is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to Coastal Andhra over the next two days. Anitha directed officials to keep SDRF and NDRF teams ready in affected districts for pre-emptive relief and rescue operations. Low-lying areas should be evacuated to safer locations wherever necessary, she said.

She asked officials to issue timely alerts on the intensity and movement of the system and maintain continuous coordination between the APSDMA and RTGS. Warning boards should be installed at vulnerable locations, while traffic must be regulated at overflowing streams and causeways. People were advised to stay away from trees, hoardings and dilapidated structures amid the possibility of strong winds.

The Minister also appealed to fishermen not to venture into the sea under any circumstances and asked them to secure boats and fishing nets at safe locations.

The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday said the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal had intensified into a depression and was likely to become a deep depression within the next 10 hours. The weather system over the West Central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal moved westwards at a speed of 18 km per hour. Under the influence of the depression, the department forecast heavy rains at isolated places in parts of Andhra Pradesh from September 22 to 25. It forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema

Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu held a teleconference with senior Irrigation Department officials and ordered the department to remain on high alert in view of the rainfall forecast for North Coastal Andhra.

He directed that officials and field personnel remain available on the ground and ordered round-the-clock operation of control rooms. Particular attention should be given to the safety and integrity of river embankments in view of the risk of flash floods, he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K Varaprasada Rao

K Varaprasada Rao[email protected]

K Varaprasada Rao is a Senior Reporter with The Hans India, covering the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Chief Minister's Office (CMO), State Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council and political affairs. With over 20 years of experience in journalism in Andhra Pradesh, he has extensively reported on governance, public policy, politics, and socio-economic issues that shape the state's development and influence the country's evolving landscape. He holds a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His reporting focuses on finance, industries, irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, public administration, and political developments, with a particular interest in analysing their long-term economic and social impact.

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