Andhra Pradesh is bracing for a potentially severe cyclone as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to approach the coast on October 28. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has placed the administration on high alert, directing officials to prioritise public safety and work towards zero casualties.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph. The projected landfall is between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, although the track and intensity may change. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected across parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh on October 27 and 28.
At a high-level review meeting with officials from 10 departments and district collectors, Naidu directed the administration to complete precautionary arrangements before the cyclone reaches the coast.
The Chief Minister also directed authorities to ensure fishing boats return safely to shore and prevent fishermen from venturing into the sea. Electricity restoration teams and equipment are being positioned in advance, while telecom operators have been instructed to prepare for the quick restoration of mobile connectivity if networks are disrupted.
District administrations have been asked to establish control rooms, issue regular public warnings and use satellite data and scientific forecasts to plan evacuations. Cyclone bulletins are to be issued every four hours to keep residents informed.
The Irrigation, Health, Energy, Agriculture, Home, Civil Supplies and other departments have been directed to coordinate their response. Officials must also prepare for heavy inflows, flooding and disruptions to essential services.
With the storm’s course still subject to change, the government is focusing on advance preparedness rather than waiting for the final landfall forecast. Naidu has made it clear that protecting lives must remain the administration’s foremost priority, with immediate attention to complaints and emergency needs in affected areas.
