Flash flood alert in north Andhra as Deep Depression nears landfall tonight
Synopsis
A Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal is bearing down on the Andhra–Odisha coast, set to make landfall near Kalingapatnam on Wednesday night. With Srikakulam already logging over 141 mm of rain, a red alert in force, schools shut across five districts, and state ministers scrambling officials into emergency mode, north coastal Andhra Pradesh is bracing for its most severe weather event of the season.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has issued a red alert for north coastal Andhra Pradesh for the next 24 hours as a Deep Depression approaches landfall near Kalingapatnam on the night of 23 September .
The system was centred 70 km from Kalingapatnam and 150 km from Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning, moving westward at 12 kmph .
Gusty winds of 50–70 kmph and widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall are forecast across 12+ districts.
Palasa in Srikakulam recorded 141.4 mm and Sompeta recorded 134.6 mm of rain in the past 24 hours .
Schools declared shut in Alluri Sitarama Raju , Vizianagaram , Srikakulam , Visakhapatnam , and Anakapalli districts.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea; residents of low-lying areas advised to relocate if necessary.
Authorities have issued a flash flood alert for north coastal Andhra Pradesh as a Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast on the night of 23 September, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to a wide swath of the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for north coastal Andhra Pradesh for the next 24 hours, forecasting widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by winds of 50–70 kmph.
Where the System Is Headed
According to an IMD bulletin issued on Wednesday morning, the Deep Depression was centred approximately 70 km from Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 150 km from Gopalpur (Odisha), 150 km from Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and 230 km from Puri (Odisha). The system had been moving westward at 12 kmph over the preceding six hours.
The IMD stated the system is 'very likely to move towards west-northwest and cross North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coasts between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, as a Deep Depression by night of 23rd September.' Heavy rains have already lashed parts of Srikakulam district since Tuesday, inundating low-lying areas and cutting off road connectivity to several villages via overflowing streams.
Districts on High Alert
Heavy rainfall is likely across Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, and Eluru districts. Moderate rains are forecast in Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu districts, while Rayalaseema districts are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall.
Among the worst-hit localities so far, Palasa in Srikakulam recorded 141.4 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, while Sompeta in the same district logged 134.6 mm, according to IMD data.
Schools Shut, Officials on Standby
In view of the forecast, district administrations have declared a holiday for educational institutions across Alluri Sitarama Raju, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli districts. Prakhar Jain, MD, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), urged residents of low-lying areas to take precautions against flash floods and advised against standing near trees or hoardings due to the risk from gusty winds. Fishermen have been cautioned not to venture into the sea.
Government Response
Municipal Administration Minister Narayana has alerted Municipal Commissioners in the affected areas, directing them to prevent waterlogging and ensure uninterrupted civic services. He also ordered the relocation of residents in hilly areas of Vijayawada to safer locations if necessary.
Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy placed officials on high alert, directing that APSRTC and transport personnel across North Andhra districts be prepared for immediate emergency action. He called for proactive transport safety measures in rain-hit areas. This comes as the state government has been progressively strengthening its pre-landfall response protocols following past weather events that caught local administrations underprepared.
What to Expect Next
The Deep Depression is expected to weaken gradually after crossing the coast, but rainfall intensity could remain high through Thursday. Residents in low-lying, coastal, and hilly areas are advised to follow official advisories closely. Authorities have asked citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to monitor updates from the IMD and district administrations as the system makes landfall.
Point of View
But the real accountability question is whether the flood-prone low-lying areas of Srikakulam, where over 141 mm has already fallen, have adequate early-warning systems at the village level. Ministerial alerts directed at Municipal Commissioners and APSRTC are urban-centric responses to what is, at its core, a rural connectivity and shelter crisis. The pattern of school closures and precautionary advisories is welcome, but the downstream question — whether temporary shelter capacity matches the population at risk — rarely receives the same official attention.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deep Depression threatening Andhra Pradesh on 23 September?
It is a weather system that formed over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast close to Kalingapatnam on the night of 23 September. The IMD has issued a red alert for north coastal Andhra Pradesh, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and winds of 50–70 kmph.
Which districts in Andhra Pradesh are most affected?
Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Kakinada are on high alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Districts such as East and West Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and Polavaram are also in the warning zone.
Have schools been closed due to the Deep Depression?
Yes. District administrations have declared a holiday for educational institutions in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli districts in anticipation of heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
What precautions have authorities advised residents to take?
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has urged residents of low-lying areas to guard against flash floods, avoid standing near trees or hoardings due to gusty winds, and comply with any relocation directives. Fishermen have been specifically asked not to venture into the sea.
How much rainfall has already been recorded in affected areas?
Palasa in Srikakulam district recorded 141.4 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding Wednesday morning, while Sompeta in the same district logged 134.6 mm, according to IMD data. Several low-lying areas have already been inundated, with some villages cut off by overflowing streams.
