India: Deep Depression Asani makes landfall over Andhra Pradesh State May 11 /update 4

Event

Deep Depression Asani made landfall over Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh State May 11. As of 17:30 IST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 67 km (42 miles) southeast of Vijayawada, India. Forecast models indicate that the system will continue to weaken into a depression as it tracks northwest inland over Krishna District May 11-12. Asani is then likely to weaken further as it turns to track north, dissipating near Vijayawada late May 12. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

Authorities in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh have established 454 emergency shelters in seven districts that are expected to be impacted by the storm. Members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on standby for relief and rescue operations. Authorities in Odisha have also set up 179 shelters and identified areas of four vulnerable coastal districts from where evacuations may occur. Authorities have suspended fishing operations over the west-central Bay of Bengal through May 11 and over the northwestern Bay of Bengal through May 12.

Adverse weather conditions are causing disruptions across parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh as of May 11. Most flights were canceled at Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ) May 11 and Visakhapatnam Port suspended operations. Further delays and cancelations to flights to and from affected areas of Andhra Pradesh have been reported. Train operator South Central railway has canceled 46 train services across the affected region and rescheduled and diverted other services. A highway in Parvathipuram Manyam district was blocked by uprooted trees May 11, and the Kakinada-Uppada Beach road has been closed due to the threat of coastal flooding.

As of early May 11, the India Meteorological Department has issued red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall and strong surface wind warnings across coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh State and orange heavy rainfall warnings over the inland region of Rayalaseema May 11. Orange heavy rainfall and strong surface wind warnings are in place for coastal Andhra Pradesh State May 12. Yellow heavy rain, strong surface wind, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings are in place across the rest of eastern and southern India through at least May 11.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions could occur at airports in the region, and temporary closures of seaports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
India Meteorological Department