Andhra fishermen asked not to venture into sea as depression forms over Bay of Bengal

Fishermen right an overturned catamaran in rough seas off the Visakhapatnam coast. File | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday (July 27, 2026) issued a high-alert warning for coastal communities and fishermen following reports that a depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe depression.Reviewing the weather system, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said safeguarding the lives of fishermen was the foremost priority of the administration. He asked fishermen along the north Andhra coast to remain vigilant and not to venture into the sea until conditions improve and the weather advisory is lifted.“Fishermen must prioritise their families and cooperate with the administration by staying ashore until tomorrow,” Mr. Atchannaidu said.Fishermen have been advised not to venture into rough waters until the weather warning is withdrawn.Residents in low-lying and vulnerable coastal areas have been asked to stay alert and follow directives issued by local disaster management officials.Before undertaking any authorised movement at sea, boat owners and operators must check onboard transponders and communication devices to ensure they are working.The State machinery has taken pre-emptive measures to ensure public safety and reduce risks along the coastline.Rain in north coastal districtsRainfall between 8.30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday was confined largely to the north coastal districts, according to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics. Payakaraopeta in Anakapalli district and Salur in Parvathipuram Manyam recorded 15.5 mm each, the highest among the 2,214 stations reporting, followed by Ramaraja palem in Alluri Sitharama Raju district with 15 mm and Pedamerangi in Parvathipuram Manyam with 11.75 mm.Rain was also recorded at stations in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Kakinada, Eluru and Krishna districts, while most stations in Rayalaseema reported none. The day’s highest temperature was 39.5 degrees Celsius at Throvagunta in Prakasam district, followed by Gudur in SPSR Nellore at 39.1 degrees; the lowest was 23.1 degrees at Kilagada in Alluri Sitharama Raju district. Published - July 27, 2026 04:25 pm IST