Good news for Andhra Pradesh residents: while a new low-pressure area is forming over the Bay of Bengal around October 1st, the state isn’t expecting significant rainfall activity until October 3rd.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Amaravati reported on Saturday that an upper-air cyclonic circulation is set to emerge over the North Andaman Sea by September 30th. This system is anticipated to develop into a low-pressure area over the North and Central Bay of Bengal around October 1st.
For the upcoming week, light to moderate showers, possibly accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms, are expected across Andhra Pradesh. Crucially, the IMD has not issued any heavy rainfall warnings for the period, offering a relatively dry outlook.
On Saturday, areas including Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Srikakulam, and Kurnool experienced light to moderate rainfall. Real-time data from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics showed Komarada in Parvathipuram Manyam recording the highest rainfall at 77 mm between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., with other locations receiving less than 40 mm.
It’s worth noting that Friday’s very heavy rainfall warning for central Andhra Pradesh mainly impacted the Rayalaseema region, specifically Kurnool and Nandyal districts, where up to 130 mm of rain was observed.
River Inflows on the Rise
Meanwhile, the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director, Prakhar Jain, announced that heavy upstream rains have led to a steady increase in floodwater at both the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada and the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage in Dowleswaram.
As of 6 p.m. on Saturday, inflows at the Prakasam Barrage reached 3.83 lakh cusecs, prompting an imminent first warning. Mr. Jain indicated that a second warning might be issued by Sunday night or Monday morning if inflows continue to rise.
At the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage, the first warning remains in effect, with inflows recorded at 10.14 lakh cusecs. This figure is projected to climb to 12 lakh cusecs by Sunday, according to the APSDMA.
The APSDMA has directed affected district administrations to establish control rooms and urged residents in low-lying areas along the Krishna and Godavari rivers to take necessary precautions. For assistance, people can contact the toll-free numbers 112, 1070, or 18004250101.