Cyclonic threat persists to AP coast

Visakhapatnam: A depression has formed over east central Bay of Bengal on Monday which is expected to intensify further into a deep depression by Tuesday and into a cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours.

The system is very likely to move northwestwards towards Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coast in the next 72-hours. According to Meteorological Department officials, under its influence isolated rain or thundershowers are possible in the north coastal region in the coming 48-hours.

Squally winds with speed reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph are very likely along and off north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts from the morning hours of October 9.

The Met officials said that the system's speed is very likely to increase gradually to 70 kmph to 80 kmph and gusting upto 90-kmph from October 10 evening along and off north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The IMD has already alerted the ports in Andhra Pradesh by distant cautionary signal number one hoisted at Visakhapatnam Port and section signal number three at Kakinada and Gangavaram Ports on Monday. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into deep sea areas of central Bay of Bengal till October 10 and north Bay of Bengal during October 9 to 11.

With the IMD’s alerts, the state government has directed the district administrations in the north coastal region to take care of the exigency. Visakhapatnam district collector Pravin Kumar directed all Tehasildars, RDOs and district heads to stay at their respective headquarters and be prepared to move to rescue the people at short notice.