Pawan Kalyan directs evacuation of people from cyclone-prone areas in Kakinada district

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday directed Kakinada district officials to prioritise public safety and complete the evacuation of people from cyclone-prone coastal and low-lying areas by evening in view of Cyclone Arnab.

Reviewing the preparedness measures with the District Collector and other officials, he stressed the need for coordination among all departments to prevent loss of life and ensure prompt relief during the severe cyclonic storm.

The district administration informed him that the cyclone was expected to cross the coast near Yanam by Wednesday afternoon, with wind speeds of 115–125 kmph and gusts of up to 140 kmph. Heavy rainfall, flash floods and a possible storm surge of one to two metres were also forecast.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan directed officials to focus on six vulnerable mandals: Thallarevu, U. Kothapalli, Kakinada Urban, Kakinada Rural, Karapa and Tondangi. Arrangements were being made to evacuate more than 15,000 people from 92 vulnerable habitations, including 50 coastal villages. Residents of thatched houses and dilapidated buildings near the coast were to be shifted to safer locations first.

He instructed officials to ensure adequate supplies of food, drinking water and medicines, besides electricity and other essential facilities, at relief centres. Special attention was to be given to senior citizens, children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

The Energy Department was asked to deploy restoration teams and prioritise power supply to hospitals, drinking water schemes and relief centres. Road-clearing machinery and emergency response teams were also to be stationed in vulnerable areas.

Expressing concern over possible flooding, the Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to monitor the Yeleru reservoir, canals and drains round the clock. They were asked to alert residents of 41 villages across eight mandals vulnerable to flooding from the Yeleru reservoir and keep sandbags ready near weak canal embankments.

He also directed officials to prevent fishermen from venturing into the sea, maintain round-the-clock medical services and ensure safe drinking water and proper sanitation.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan urged people to follow official warnings, avoid unnecessary travel and remain in safe shelters even if wind speeds temporarily subside.