Andhra Pradesh has put emergency services on high alert as heavy rain, strong winds and the risk of flash floods affect parts of the state. The weather is linked to a deep depression, and the India Meteorological Department has warned of extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds in coastal Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, September 24.

In Chinthalapadu village of Tiruvuru mandal in NTR district, powerful winds damaged houses and blew metal roofing sheets away. Trees and electricity poles were uprooted. Five villagers suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar directed AP Transco and the state’s electricity distribution companies to remain on alert around the clock. At a review meeting on Wednesday, he asked officials to position repair crews, equipment and materials at strategic locations so they could respond quickly if fallen trees, damaged poles or flooding disrupted supply.

The minister also instructed power officials to track breakdowns by feeder, monitor restoration work and watch changes in electricity demand. AP Genco was asked to maintain adequate coal stocks at its thermal power plants to support generation. Ravi Kumar directed officials to maintain supply for households, businesses and industries and, if additional electricity was needed, procure it from external sources at the lowest available cost. Authorities mobilised 3,599 personnel in the north coastal region as departments prepared for the effects of the rain and high winds.

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav directed officials to keep medical teams, ambulances, medicines and diagnostic equipment ready. He called for measures to reduce the risk of fevers and gastroenteritis following heavy rain or flooding, including safe drinking water, chlorine tablets and steps to prevent stagnant water from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Yadav also asked officials to ensure the supply of food and milk where needed. Hospitals were told to keep generators ready in case of power cuts and give particular attention to women in advanced stages of pregnancy, children under five and older people. Health Commissioner Chakradhar Babu said leave for doctors and other health staff had been cancelled.

East Godavari and Kakinada districts announced a holiday for educational institutions on Thursday because of the heavy rain. Residents should follow the latest district-level weather and school notices, as local conditions and instructions may change.