Severe Depression Brings Torrential Rains to Andhra Pradesh

A severe depression over the Bay of Bengal has triggered heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of Andhra Pradesh, with North Andhra bearing the brunt. Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna districts received intense showers, inundating low-lying areas. Strong winds also brought down trees and electricity poles in several locations. The India Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rain may continue even after the system crosses the coast, while the disaster management authorities have advised people to remain alert for the next 48 hours. Schools in several districts have been declared closed on Thursday, and residents from vulnerable areas have been shifted to relief centres. Srikakulam’s Palasa recorded the highest rainfall of 143 mm between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning.

The heavy rain caused widespread disruption across the state. Landslides were reported in Kasturi Nagar in Visakhapatnam, while a temporary embankment across the Gosthani River was washed away near T. Nagarapalem. In Srikakulam, more than 12,000 hectares of paddy fields were inundated, while several roads, transformers and power poles were damaged. In Alluri Sitharama Raju district, overflowing streams disrupted connectivity to dozens of villages and damaged temporary bridges and culverts. Strong winds in NTR district’s Chintalapadu village damaged roofs and houses, leaving six people injured. Authorities have warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several North Coastal Andhra districts on Thursday and urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to exercise caution.