Andhra Pradesh is now on high alert as heavy rains pummel the state, signaling the imminent arrival of a powerful cyclone. Millions of residents across coastal districts face a severe threat, with authorities issuing urgent warnings and putting disaster response teams on standby. The escalating weather crisis has already caused widespread disruption. fears grow as the cyclonic storm approaches the coast, expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours. People are urged to seek safe shelter as the state prepares for its biggest weather challenge this season.
State Prepares for Severe Weather
Andhra Pradesh is facing a significant weather threat as heavy rains continue to lash various parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about a developing low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a cyclone. This system is predicted to bring very heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal regions.
The state has been experiencing widespread rainfall for the past few days, with some districts recording extremely heavy downpours. For instance, Kukunoor in Eluru district recently received 7 cm of rainfall within 24 hours, while Kurupam in Parvathipuram Manyam recorded 6 cm.
Understanding the Approaching System
The low-pressure area, currently located over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to move west-northwestwards. The IMD anticipates it will concentrate into a depression within 24 hours and likely cross the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The strength of the wind during the landfall is a key concern. Squally weather with wind speeds between 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, is expected along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast and Yanam. The IMD uses a classification system for cyclones based on wind speeds:
| System | Wind Speed (kmph) |
|---|---|
| Low pressure area | less than 31 |
| Depression | 31-49 |
| Deep Depression | 50-61 |
| Cyclonic Storm | 62-88 |
| Severe Cyclonic Storm | 89-117 |
Coastal districts such as Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru. West Godavari are under a red alert, indicating the highest level of warning for extremely heavy rainfall. Heavy to very heavy rain is also predicted for Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Krishna, Palnadu, Bapatla. Prakasam districts.
Government Actions and Readiness
The state government has activated its disaster management machinery, putting all relevant departments on high alert. Home and Disaster Management Minister Taneti Vanitha held meetings with District Collectors to review preparedness measures and ensure public safety. She instructed Collectors to set up control rooms in all districts.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are ready for deployment. In past events like Cyclone Michaung, 11 NDRF teams were positioned in Andhra Pradesh. The 10th Battalion of the NDRF, based in Krishna district, specifically handles rescue operations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka. Puducherry (Yanam). has deployed teams to areas like Nellore, Tirupati. Chittoor during previous heavy rain incidents.
“Collectors should set up control rooms in all districts. if necessary, SDRF and NDRF teams will be deployed,” Minister Taneti Vanitha stated.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) is actively monitoring the situation and issuing timely alerts. Managing Director Prakhar Jain has urged residents to remain alert, especially those in low-lying areas and near river basins.
Public Safety Measures and Advisories
Authorities are stressing the importance of public safety. People in low-lying areas are advised to take precautionary measures and, if needed, move to safer places or designated relief camps.
- Do not venture into rivers, streams, or canals.
- Avoid swimming or fishing in floodwaters.
- Stay away from old or damaged buildings, electric poles. trees.
- Monitor official weather updates regularly.
Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea for the next five days due to rough sea conditions and strong winds. Port authorities at Kalingapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Gangavaram. Kakinada have hoisted cautionary warning signals.
Emergency helplines for the Disaster Management Authority are active. citizens can contact 112, 1070, or 1800-425-0101 for immediate assistance.
Impact on Infrastructure and Rivers
Heavy rainfall has already caused waterlogging in several areas. Flash flood warnings have been issued for districts including East Godavari, Guntur, Krishna. West Godavari. The water levels in major rivers like Krishna and Godavari are under close watch.
“Officials should take precautionary measures. sudden flood inflows from streams and rivulets in the Krishna River basin must be monitored continuously,” the Chief Minister stated.
The Prakasam Barrage on the Krishna River has seen rising inflows, with current inflow and outflow reaching significant levels. The first flood warning level may be crossed if rains continue. Similarly, the Godavari River at Dowleswaram has recorded heavy inflows.
The state has learned from past cyclone experiences, like Cyclone Hudhud in 2014, to improve disaster management capabilities. This includes better alert systems, pre-cyclone drills. the creation of emergency operation centers. Efforts such as transitioning to underground cabling in coastal areas and designing infrastructure to withstand high wind speeds are part of these enhanced preparedness measures.
