CM Naidu directs officials to prepare for cyclone threat in Andhra Pradesh
A severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday instructed officials to prepare for relief and rescue operations as a new cyclone threatens the state. The storm is predicted to hit the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
Officials told the Chief Minister that a depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 2. The system may bring moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy showers, to south and central coastal districts on November 2.
Wind speeds of up to 110 kmph are anticipated during landfall. Of the 20 mandals forecast for extremely heavy rainfall, nine are in Eluru district, five are in Krishna and NTR districts, and one is in Bapatla.
The Chief Minister cancelled his scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday due to the approaching weather. He directed officials to maintain adequate manpower and equipment, and to move materials to vulnerable areas in advance.
Naidu also requested that officials issue situation bulletins every four hours. He asked telecom operators to take precautions to prevent mobile signal disruptions, noting that additional measures could have been taken during Cyclone Arnab.
Preliminary estimates suggest strong winds could damage approximately 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts. Naidu asked for clear timelines to be prepared for restoring power supply if infrastructure is damaged.