Cyclone crosses the coast in North Andhra Pradesh

This morning, a cyclonic storm crossed the coast near Gopalpur between the North Andhra and South Odisha coasts. It is moving northwestwards over South Odisha and South Chhattisgarh. It is likely to weaken in the next six hours, the Meteorological Department said.

Due to the influence of the cyclonic storm, heavy rains are likely in the coastal districts today and tomorrow. An alert has been issued for heavy rains in Alluri, NTR and Eluru districts. Due to the rains that have been falling for the past two days, traffic has come to a standstill in more than 60 villages in the tribal mandals of North Andhra. Transport and communication problems are being faced.

Flood water has reached a high level at the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada. With this, a second danger alert has been issued. There is a risk of submergence of many crops in the Krishna river basin. Authorities have evacuated the villages and are taking relief measures.

Heavy rains are also falling in Telangana. Roads were damaged, especially in Medak, Sangareddy and Siddipet districts. Fields and crops were damaged. Flash floods disrupted life in some areas. Up to seven people have been reported to have lost their lives so far.

The governments in both states are on high alert. Relief forces, NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed. An orange alert has been issued for districts where heavy rains are expected. Officials have been instructed to keep the medical, electricity and sanitation departments ready for emergencies.

The Meteorological Department has issued strict orders not to go fishing as the sea is currently rough. People in coastal areas have been advised to remain alert.