Amaravati

Heavy rain has been pounding parts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema region due to a depression over the Bay of Bengal. This system crossed the coast between Puducherry and Nellore early Thursday morning, disrupting daily life in areas like Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, East Godavari, and Visakhapatnam.

The sea conditions are hazardous, with high waves reported along the coasts of Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and BR Ambedkar Konaseema districts. In some locations, waves reached shops at RK Beach in Port City, and homes were damaged as trees and electric poles were uprooted. Aqua farms in Konaseema also experienced flooding, and the seawater reached the ONGC plant at Odalarevu beach.

Authorities have issued a third warning signal at Nizampatan, Krishnapatnam, and Machilipatnam, while the first signal was raised at Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports. The Meteorological Office warns of tidal waves up to 1.5 meters, advising caution for harbor operations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the depression has weakened but will continue to move west-northwest, bringing heavy rainfall to isolated areas. Squally weather with winds of 25-35 kmph, gusting to 45 kmph, is expected. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged officials to stay alert and manage irrigation water flow carefully.