Cyclone Threat: HM Directs Officials To Remain On High Alert
Andhra Pradesh issues a cyclone alert, with Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha directing officials to prepare for heavy rainfall, evacuations and rescue operations.
The Andhra Pradesh government has sounded an alert, as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. With widespread rainfall forecast from Monday and heavy to extremely heavy rain likely in coastal districts on Tuesday and Wednesday, home minister Vangalapudi Anitha has directed officials to take precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property.
The cyclone is likely to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, with wind speeds of 115–125 kmph. The minister asked district collectors, superintendents of police and field-level officials in the vulnerable districts to remain on high alert.
She directed officials to remove hoardings immediately and make advance arrangements to shift coastal residents to safer locations wherever necessary.
The minister instructed officials to keep National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams ready for rescue and relief operations. District control rooms should continuously monitor the situation and initiate immediate action according to changing weather conditions, she said.
Anitha advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and directed officials to prohibit tourist entry to beaches. She urged people to avoid taking selfies near rough seas and engaging in other risky activities.
The minister asked farmers and the public to take precautionary measures and cautioned them against believing or forwarding rumours circulating on social media. She urged people to regularly follow official advisories issued by the State Disaster Management Authority and the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS).