Coastal Andhra Pradesh braces for heavy rainfall and strong winds as depression intensifies
New Delhi : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighboring regions as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal threatens to evolve into a cyclonic storm. The weather system is expected to intensify by October 28, bringing torrential rains, gusty winds, and potential flooding to coastal districts.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures, including avoiding low-lying areas and securing property. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and disaster response teams are on standby. The storm could impact agriculture and infrastructure, prompting emergency preparedness across the region.
Key Details:
- The southern-peninsular states — including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka — are forecast to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
- A deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm (named Cyclone Montha) by October 28, expected to make landfall near the Andhra coast with wind speeds estimated at 90-100 km/h, gusting even higher.
- In western India, districts in Gujarat (such as Amreli, Gir Somnath and Diu) have been placed on alert for heavy rain (over 15 mm/hour), strong winds (41-61 km/h) and lightning
Impacts & What to Watch:
- The broad weather system may lead to flooding, water-logging, especially in low-lying, coastal and interior regions. Farmers are advised to secure fields and avoid operations during high wind or heavy rain spells.
- Coastal and sea-faring activities will be disrupted: fishermen and port authorities in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea regions need to monitor advisories.
- Travellers, particularly in the aviation and rail sectors, should anticipate schedule disruptions, diversion and delays.
- Local administrations are augmenting disaster-response readiness; citizens should follow local advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and stay updated through weather bulletins.
