Andhra CM alerts officials about the cyclone in Bay of Bengal

Andhra CM alerts officials about the cyclone in Bay of Bengal The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, issued an urgent directive to state officials on Tuesday, warning that a severe cyclonic disturbance forming over the Bay of Bengal could make landfall within the next 48 hours. The warning came after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded the system to a “Very Severe Cyclonic Storm” with wind speeds projected to exceed 120 km/h..

The CM stressed that the government’s disaster response mechanisms must be fully mobilised, citing the vulnerability of coastal districts that have previously suffered extensive damage from similar weather events. In his address to senior bureaucrats and district collectors, the chief minister reiterated the importance of adhering to the state’s disaster management protocols, which were revised after the devastating Cyclone Hudhud in 2014. He highlighted that early evacuation, timely dissemination of warnings, and the pre‑positioning of relief supplies are critical to minimising loss of life and property..

The CM also ordered that the state’s disaster response teams work in close coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring that any gaps in capacity are swiftly addressed. The alert coincided with a renewed focus on agricultural infrastructure, as the chief minister called for the completion of 36 priority irrigation projects that are slated to be finished by the end of the fiscal year. These projects, ranging from lift irrigation schemes to canal modernisation, are deemed essential for stabilising the agrarian economy, especially ahead of the monsoon season..

The CM urged the water resources department to accelerate the work, stating that the projects must stay on schedule despite the impending cyclone. Officials from the Water Resources Department confirmed that 28 of the 36 schemes are already at various stages of construction, with an estimated 60 per cent of the total civil works completed. However, the department acknowledged that the approaching storm could temporarily disrupt logistics, particularly in coastal districts where road access may be compromised..

To mitigate this risk, the department has earmarked additional resources for rapid repair of access routes and the deployment of mobile water pumps to maintain water flow for critical irrigation zones. The chief minister’s dual emphasis on disaster preparedness and irrigation underscores a broader strategy to protect both lives and livelihoods. “We cannot afford to let a natural calamity undo the progress we have made in water security,” Jagan Mohan Reddy said..

He added that the irrigation projects are not merely infrastructure ventures but are intended to enhance crop resilience, especially for rice and millets, which dominate the state’s agricultural output. The CM warned that any delay in completing these projects could exacerbate the impact of the cyclone on food production. Local governments have already begun issuing evacuation orders for vulnerable hamlets in East Godavari, West Godavari, and the coastal stretch of Krishna districts..

The state’s disaster management authority has set up temporary shelters in schools, community halls, and government buildings, ensuring that basic amenities such as food, clean water, and medical care are readily available. Additionally, the CM instructed the health department to stockpile essential medicines and to deploy mobile medical units to the most at‑risk areas, anticipating potential injuries and water‑borne diseases after the storm. The Indian Navy has been placed on standby, ready to assist with rescue operations and the delivery of relief supplies..

According to a senior naval officer, a fleet of patrol vessels and two amphibious landing ships have been pre‑positioned at Visakhapatnam port, capable of reaching affected coastlines within hours. The navy’s involvement is part of a coordinated effort that also includes the Air Force’s transport aircraft, which will be used to air‑drop emergency kits to isolated communities if road networks become impassable. Economic analysts note that the cyclone could pose a short‑term threat to Andhra Pradesh’s already fragile post‑pandemic recovery..

The state’s GDP growth, projected at 6.5 per cent for the current fiscal year, heavily depends on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism—all sectors susceptible to weather disruptions. Nevertheless, experts argue that the government’s proactive stance, particularly the emphasis on completing irrigation projects, could cushion the economic blow by ensuring water availability for the upcoming sowing season. Farmers’ groups have welcomed the chief minister’s call to finish the irrigation schemes, emphasizing that reliable water supply is vital for meeting the state’s ambitious target of doubling rice production by 2030..

However, they also expressed concerns over the potential loss of standing crops in low‑lying fields that may be inundated by storm surges. To address these fears, the agriculture department has promised to provide compensation and seed kits to affected cultivators, along with technical assistance for rapid re‑planting once the waters recede. The cyclone’s projected path also raises alarms for the coastal fishing community, which forms a significant part of the state’s maritime economy..

Fisherfolk have been instructed to secure their boats and equipment, and the state marine department is arranging for temporary storage facilities to protect valuable catch. Moreover, the chief minister announced that post‑storm, the government will launch a rehabilitation programme that includes low‑interest loans for vessel repair and the establishment of cold‑storage units to reduce post‑disaster losses. As night falls, meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s intensity, noting that sea‑surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal remain unusually high, a factor that could intensify the cyclone further..

The IMD has warned that the system may intensify into a “Severe Cyclonic.