CM reviews rain situation, asks officials to remain vigilant

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday reviewed the situation arising from heavy rainfall in several parts of Andhra Pradesh under the influence of a severe depression over the Bay of Bengal.

The review meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police, Ministers, and senior officials of various departments.

Officials told the Chief Minister that the system was likely to cross the coast on Tuesday afternoon between Srikakulam and Kaviti in Srikakulam district. Wind speeds could reach up to 85 kmph during the landfall, they said.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was expected in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Polavaram, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts. Parts of West Godavari, East Godavari, Konaseema, Kakinada, Eluru, Krishna, and NTR districts were also likely to receive moderate to extremely heavy rainfall.

Officials said several districts could receive heavy rainfall on the 24th and 25th as well.

Of the 261 mandals in the State, heavy rainfall was forecast in 129 mandals, normal rainfall in 121 mandals, extremely heavy rainfall in nine mandals, and intense rainfall in two mandals.

The authorities cautioned that heavy rainfall in North Coastal Andhra and the Godavari basin could result in sudden rises in the flow of streams and rivulets.

Mr. Naidu directed District Collectors and other officials to remain alert and ensure that precautionary measures were taken in vulnerable areas. He asked the administration to alert people in areas prone to flash floods and heavy rainfall.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to closely monitor river flows and take necessary measures to manage reservoir levels. He stressed the need for coordinated action among the departments concerned to deal with any situation arising from the adverse weather conditions.