Red alert issued for Nov. 30 for Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Y.S.R Kadapa, Annamayya, Tirupati and Chittoor districts as very heavy to scattered extremely heavy rainfall is likely in these places
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted very heavy to scattered extremely heavy rainfall for Rayalaseema and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh on November 29, 30 and December 1 as the cyclonic storm 'Ditwah', formed near Sri Lanka, is expected to move closer to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
According to the IMD's special bulletin of 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, the cyclonic storm was formed at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday over the southwest Bay of Bengal, close to Pottuvil in Sri Lanka. It is located about 610 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 700 km south-southeast of Chennai. It is very likely to continue to move north-northwestwards and reach southwest Bay of Bengal, off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning of November 30.
Due to the cyclonic storm, heavy rain may be expected in a few districts of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from November 28 to December 1. For November 28, Friday, the IMD has predicted heavy rain at isolated places in the districts of SPSR Nellore and Tirupati.
On November 29, Saturday, an orange alert has been issued as heavy to very heavy rain is likely in SPSR Nellore, Annamayya, Tirupati and Chittoor districts, while heavy rain is expected in Bapatla, Prakasam, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, and Y.S.R Kadapa districts.
On November 30, Sunday, a red alert has been issued for the districts of Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Y.S.R Kadapa, Annamayya, Tirupati and Chittoor as very heavy to scattered extremely heavy rainfall is likely in these places. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places in Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla and Nandyal districts. Heavy rain may continue on Monday, December 1, in the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla and Prakasam.
Thunderstorm, lightning and squally winds reaching 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 or 80 kmph, are likely at isolated places across the State. Fishermen are advised to not venture into the sea from November 28 to 30 and there should be total suspension of fishing activities in South Andhra Pradesh during this period, the IMD cautioned.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has urged people to stay alert and to dial 1070, 112 and 18004250101 for emergencies.