Bay of Bengal system forecast to strengthen near Andhra coast

A Bay of Bengal depression was forecast to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28, prompting warnings and emergency preparations in the region. The India Meteorological Department said the system could cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with sustained winds of 115-125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h. The forecast, issued on October 25, called for the depression to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and a severe cyclonic storm around October 27. The IMD expected it to strengthen further and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast around the morning of October 28. These are forecasts, and the system’s eventual track and intensity had not been confirmed. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority urged residents to remain alert. Its managing director, Prakhar Jain, said the depression was moving southeast at about 5 km/h. At 5:30 a.m. on October 25, it was reported about 880 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. Odisha authorities also stepped up preparations because the state could face heavy rainfall, particularly in districts bordering...