Andhra Pradesh has moved its coastal districts into high-alert mode after a depression over the Bay of Bengal was forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, prompting directions for evacuations, emergency response and the removal of dangerous hoardings.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha directed district collectors, superintendents of police and field-level officials in vulnerable districts to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible disruption to public life. The cyclone is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, with wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, according to the report.
The state government expects widespread rainfall from Monday, while coastal districts could receive heavy to extremely heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. The forecast has led authorities to make advance arrangements to shift residents from vulnerable coastal locations to safer places wherever necessary.
Anitha instructed officials to remove hoardings immediately in preparation for the strong winds. Such structures can become hazards during cyclonic conditions, particularly in built-up areas and along roads used by emergency and local traffic. District-level officials were also asked to keep control rooms operational and to monitor changing weather conditions continuously.
The minister directed authorities to keep National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams ready for rescue and relief operations. Collectors, police officials and field personnel were asked to initiate immediate action based on weather developments in their respective districts.
The alert also covers activities along the coast. Anitha advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and instructed officials to prohibit tourist entry to beaches. She cautioned people against taking selfies near rough seas or engaging in other risky activities as conditions deteriorate.
The directions place district administrations at the centre of the response, with local officials responsible for identifying vulnerable residents, coordinating possible relocations and maintaining communication during the storm. The instructions also extend to farmers and the wider public, who have been asked to take precautionary measures.
The minister warned people against believing or forwarding rumours on social media and asked residents to rely on official advisories issued by the State Disaster Management Authority and the Real Time Governance Society. The state’s preparedness measures will now depend on the cyclone’s development, its eventual landfall location and the changing rainfall and wind conditions across coastal districts.
