Moderate to heavy rains continued to lash several parts of Andhra Pradesh on Friday as a trough persisted over the region. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued multiple alerts, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and potential flooding in low-lying areas.
According to the APSDMA, districts including Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Kadapa, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Tirupati are likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Officials have urged residents, particularly farmers, to remain vigilant and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during thunderstorms.
A red alert for lightning has been issued for Konaseema, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, East Godavari, and Eluru districts, while an orange alert remains in place for several other areas expecting heavy rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted gusty winds and isolated downpours in parts of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
Impact in Telangana
Meanwhile, in neighboring Telangana, the Hyderabad Meteorological Centre has forecast rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds across Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Suryapet, and Mahabubabad districts. A yellow alert has been declared in these regions as a precautionary measure.
On Thursday evening, parts of the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district witnessed intense rainfall that flooded several colonies. In a tragic incident, a woman died after being struck by lightning while working on her farm in Narayanpet.
Authorities on High Alert
District administrations have been instructed to closely monitor water levels in reservoirs and low-lying areas. Disaster management teams are on standby across vulnerable districts, ready to respond to emergencies.
The APSDMA has also advised citizens to stay indoors during heavy rainfall, avoid waterlogged zones, and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.
Alerts at a Glance
- Red Alert: Konaseema, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, East Godavari, Eluru
- Orange Alert: Kadapa, Chittoor, Tirupati, Annamayya, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai
- Advisory: Avoid open areas during lightning; seek safe shelter during thunderstorms
