Sun Aug 17 18:25:38 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text.
**Summary:**
Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensifies, threatening to become a cyclone and bring very heavy rainfall. The State government is taking precautionary measures, including setting up control rooms, deploying disaster response teams, and alerting residents in low-lying areas. Water levels in the Krishna and Godavari rivers are rising rapidly, nearing the first flood warning level. Residents are urged to avoid rivers, streams, and canals and to contact emergency helplines if needed.
**News Article:**
**Andhra Pradesh Braces for Cyclone, Potential Flooding as Bay of Bengal Depression Intensifies**
**Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – August 18, 2025** – Andhra Pradesh is bracing for heavy rainfall and potential flooding as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclone by today. The state government has issued a high alert and is implementing emergency preparedness measures.
Home and Disaster Management Minister Taneti Vanitha has held urgent discussions with District Collectors, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Key directives include establishing control rooms in all districts, deploying State and National Disaster Response Force (SDRF and NDRF) teams where needed, and keeping district officials readily accessible to the public.
“Collectors should set up control rooms in all districts, and if necessary, SDRF and NDRF teams will be deployed,” the Minister stated.
Residents in low-lying areas are being alerted to the potential dangers and advised to avoid venturing near rivers, streams, and canals. Emergency helplines (112, 1070, and 1800-425-0101) have been activated for those requiring assistance.
Water levels in major rivers are rising rapidly. The inflow and outflow at the Prakasam Barrage on the Krishna River have reached 2.85 lakh cusecs, and officials warn that the first flood warning level may be breached today. Similarly, the Godavari River at Dowleswaram is experiencing heavy inflows of 4.07 lakh cusecs.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued a cautionary alert. APSDMA Commissioner Prakhar Jain reported that the inflow and outflow at the Prakasam Barrage stood at 2.87 lakh cusecs as of yesterday evening and emphasized the potential for flood warnings to be issued.
The government is urging residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing flooded areas. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as the weather system develops.