The government of Andhra Pradesh has placed its entire administrative machinery on high alert following a warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about heavy rains. This is due to a deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal, which is anticipated to develop into a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours.
According to an IMD weather bulletin, the system is currently moving towards the northern parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the southern coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. It is expected to gain strength as it approaches the coast by Thursday morning.
The IMD has issued a red alert for the districts of Prakasam, YSR Kadapa, SPS Nellore, Annamayya, Tirupati, and Chittoor. An orange alert has been declared for Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, and Sri Sathya Sai districts, while a yellow alert is in place for Palnadu district.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has also issued warnings about potential flash floods in parts of Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra, emphasizing the possibility of sudden flooding in streams and rivulets.
Local authorities reported significant rainfall in several areas. Srikalahasti, Tottambedu, and Koduru recorded 180 mm of rain from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning. Other areas like Atmakur received 140 mm, Venkatagiri and Sullurpeta saw 130 mm, and Tirupati, Gudur, and Kandukur experienced 110 mm of rainfall.
Life in the pilgrimage city of Tirupati has been disrupted by the heavy rains, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Overflowing drains and damaged manholes have turned roads into streams, causing considerable inconvenience to residents and visitors.
Tirumala, the sacred hill town, has also experienced heavy downpours, making it difficult for devotees to access queues and counters for darshan. Pilgrims navigating the Vaikuntam ‘Q’ complex and ‘Supatham’ faced challenges due to water accumulation and slippery conditions.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has implemented precautionary measures at vulnerable spots like Papavinasanam, Akasha Ganga, Srivari Padalu, and along the ghat roads, as the persistent rainfall increases the risk of landslides.
TTD officials confirmed that special teams are actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of devotees and staff. Both Tirupati and Tirumala remain on alert as authorities work to minimize disruptions caused by the weather system.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of APSDMA, stated that all district administrations have been alerted and control rooms are operational. Fishermen have been strictly advised against venturing into the sea until Saturday due to anticipated wind speeds of 35–55 kmph along the south coast.
Emergency response teams are stationed in vulnerable areas, with coordinated efforts from Revenue, Police, and Disaster Management departments to mitigate damage and ensure prompt assistance in case of flooding.
State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha chaired a review meeting on Wednesday, directing all departments to maintain a high alert status and ensure the readiness of NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire services for rescue and relief operations.
Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad also reviewed the situation, cautioning officials about the potential for flash floods in low-lying areas. The IMD forecasts widespread rain with thunderstorms across Andhra Pradesh for the next five days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in multiple districts on Wednesday and Thursday.