A.P. braces for very severe cyclone, to evacuate people in coastal districts

Rough sea conditions prevail along the Visakhapatnam coast on Sunday as people gather along the rocky shoreline despite warnings of an approaching cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. | Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK The impact of the ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ is likely to be felt in coastal districts from Bapatla to Vizianagaram, and the State is prepared to deal with any contingency, said A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain.Speaking to The Hindu over the phone, Mr. Jain said Andhra Pradesh had 12 battalions of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and seven battalions of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The State had requisitioned three more NDRF battalions in view of the approaching cyclone, which could have a greater impact than Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha last year.Landfall is expected anywhere between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam around noon on October 28, with sustained wind speeds likely to reach 140 kmph, he said.Standing trees and kuchha houses could suffer extensive damage, while pucca houses might sustain minor damage. Instructions had been issued to Collectors of the districts likely to be affected to keep cyclone shelters ready, ensure sanitation at the premises and stock essential commodities, he said.People in the likely impact zones in Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts would be evacuated to shelters on or before October 27, Mr. Jain said.Tirupati and SPSR Nellore districts were unlikely to experience significant impacts, he said, adding that a clearer picture would emerge once the cyclonic storm formed, which was expected by Monday morning.History of Very Severe Cyclonic StormsAccording to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 61 cyclonic storms affected the Andhra Pradesh coast between 1971 and 2026. Of these, 10, including Hudhud, were classified as ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storms’.The last cyclone of this category to hit the State was Titli in 2018, which made landfall near Palasa. The more recent cyclones Montha and Michaung were classified as ‘Severe Cyclonic Storms’.Deep depression formsThe depression over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression by noon on Sunday, October 25, and was likely to concentrate into a cyclonic storm in the early hours of Monday. It could further intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by Tuesday.The IMD has forecast no significant rainfall on Monday, with isolated heavy rainfall likely in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. Other parts of the State may receive light to moderate showers.On Sunday, Tirupati and Chittoor districts received widespread moderate rainfall of less than 40 mm. Light showers were recorded in parts of SPSR Nellore, Prakasam and YSR Kadapa districts. Rainfall intensity across the State is expected to increase from Tuesday.Meanwhile, the APSDMA is circulating posters on social media platforms listing the dos and don’ts during cyclones. People can call the toll-free numbers 112, 1070 and 1800 425 0101 for assistance. Published - October 25, 2026 08:00 pm IST