Naidu directs officials to prepare for approaching cyclone in Andhra Pradesh
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his Delhi visit as a severe cyclonic storm is predicted to hit Bapatla on November 3.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday instructed government officials to ready relief and rescue operations as a new cyclone threatens the state. According to the Hindustan Times, a severe cyclonic storm is predicted to make landfall near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
The weather system is expected to intensify from a depression into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by November 2. Landfall could bring wind speeds of up to 110 kmph and heavy rainfall across several districts on November 3 and 4.
Forecasts indicate that 20 mandals may experience extremely heavy rain, including nine in Eluru, five in Krishna, five in NTR, and one in Bapatla. On November 3, Eluru is expected to see average rainfall of 179 mm, while Krishna, NTR, West Godavari, Guntur, and Bapatla are also predicted to receive significant precipitation.
Naidu has ordered officials to move equipment and personnel to vulnerable areas and to issue situation bulletins every four hours. He also requested that telecom operators take precautions to prevent mobile signal disruptions, citing issues experienced during Cyclone Arnab.
Preliminary estimates suggest that strong winds could damage up to 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts. The Chief Minister has asked for clear timelines regarding power restoration to be shared with the public.
The Chief Minister cancelled his planned trip to Delhi on Monday due to the situation. This follows Cyclone Arnab, which crossed the coast on October 28 and caused seven deaths.