Cyclone threat prompts alert in Chittoor, Annamayya districts

With a brewing weather system over the Bay of Bengal threatening to turn into a cyclone, Chittoor and Annamayya districts are gearing up to counter the possible impact. District officials are ramping up precautions as forecasts warn of potential downpours, localised flooding, and crop damage ahead.

Officials have flagged thunderstorms accompanied by lightning across Rayalaseema through October 28, though the exact severity for the twin districts hinges on how the system tracks and drops its rain.

Annamayya District Collector Nishant Kumar, addressing an urgent meeting in Madanapalle on Sunday, directed the departments to identify vulnerable spots like low-lying settlements, tanks, fragile roads, and power infrastructure. He highlighted that emergency supplies, vehicles, and personnel should be kept ready in case of emergency.

The Collector said that departments, including Revenue, Police, Irrigation, Panchayat Raj, Health, and Fire Services, had been pulled into a joint disaster response framework.

In Chittoor, officials have been directed to stay on high alert through October 30, with a focus on Nagari, Vijayapuram, Nindra and Karveti Nagaram mandals.