Andhra Pradesh Issues High Alert as Depression Over Bay of Bengal Expected to Intensify Into Severe Cyclonic Storm

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have issued a high alert as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. The weather system is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by October 28.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has placed the region on high alert as a weather system currently forming over the Bay of Bengal is projected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 27.

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain urged residents not to lower their guard as the depression continues to develop. According to official releases, the depression was initially located over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, moving southeastwards at a speed of 5 kmph.

As of Sunday morning at 5:30 am, the weather system was positioned approximately 440 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 880 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 980 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 1,080 km east of Machilipatnam, and 1,150 km east of Bapatla.

The Meteorological Department reports that the system is expected to transition into a deep depression before turning west-northwestwards. It is forecasted to develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. By the morning of October 27, it is anticipated to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm.

The system will subsequently move northwestwards and strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast around the morning of October 28. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the system will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. During this period, maximum sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts hitting up to 140 kmph.

State authorities continue to monitor the progression of the storm closely and have advised the public to stay informed through official updates as preparations for the approaching severe weather system get underway.

"Severe weather events and natural calamities present significant logistical and operational challenges for businesses, supply chains, and local infrastructure in affected regions. For enterprises operating in coastal areas like Andhra Pradesh, maintaining business continuity plans and ensuring the safety of employees and assets must take precedence during such high-alert periods. Proactive risk management and adherence to advisories issued by disaster management authorities are essential to mitigating potential disruptions to economic activity." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes