Naidu orders full prep as severe cyclone set to hit Bapatla coast

A severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on the morning of November 3, prompting Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to order officials to be fully prepared for relief and rescue operations across Andhra Pradesh. The system, now a depression over the Bay of Bengal, is forecast to deepen into a deep depression, become a cyclonic storm and then a severe cyclonic storm over the west‑central Bay by November 2. Meteorologists expect moderate to heavy rain on November 2 with isolated extremely heavy showers over south and central coastal districts, followed by heavy to very heavy rain on November 3‑4 and wind gusts up to 110 kmph at landfall. Twenty mandals are slated for extremely heavy rainfall – nine in Eluru district, five each in Krishna and NTR districts and one in Bapatla. Average district rainfall on November 3 is projected at 179 mm in Eluru, 163 mm in Krishna, 161 mm in NTR, 147 mm in West Godavari, 119 mm in Guntur and 104 mm in Bapatla. Anticipated inflow will reach about 32,500 cusecs at Budameru, with similar surges expected in Errakalva, Gonelavagu, Jalleru and Pampa reservoirs. Preliminary estimates warn that strong winds could topple roughly 15,128 electricity poles across twelve districts. Naidu directed that manpower, equipment and relief material be positioned in vulnerable areas, that power‑restoration timelines be set and shared, and that cyclone bulletins be issued every four hours. He also asked telecom operators to take advance steps to avoid mobile‑network disruptions, recalling lapses during Cyclone Arnab. The chief minister cancelled his planned Delhi trip on Monday and was briefed on Arnab’s damage and ongoing relief, with officials assuring power will be restored statewide by Sunday night.

Context

Cyclone threats are common in the Bay of Bengal during autumn, and Andhra Pradesh’s disaster plan emphasizes early warnings, rapid rescue deployment and swift restoration of utilities to minimise loss of life and property.