Three North Andhra districts step up cyclone preparedness

The administrations of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) districts have stepped up preparedness on Sunday by setting up control rooms and readying relief centres, as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclone, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Visakhapatnam Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, reviewing arrangements at a videoconference with Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg said the impact could be as severe as that of Cyclone Montha. He directed officers to remain at their places of work.

A control room has been set up at the Collectorate, with others planned to be opened at the GVMC office and at zonal and mandal levels.

Officials were instructed to monitor reservoir levels, alert residents living on hill slopes and keep relief centres ready.

Mr. Garg said that people had earlier been evacuated from seven areas. The Collector directed officials to arrange for the shifting of those residents again.

Tree-cutting machines are to be stationed in advance, while the GVMC and APEPDCL were asked to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Ambulances, medical teams and medicines are to be kept ready. Pregnant women nearing delivery are to be moved to hospitals. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea and, tourists and residents were warned against visiting beaches.

Special officers have been appointed for each constituency and mandal. The round-the-clock Collectorate control room can be reached on 8912590100 and 8912590102, said Special Deputy Collector and District Project Manager T. Govindu.

In Anakapalli, Collector Vijaya Krishnan said that people of low-lying and coastal areas were to be identified and relocated by the evening of October 26.

Relief centres would provide drinking water and food, while medicines would be available for patients with chronic ailments. High-risk pregnant women are to be shifted to health centres.

A round-the-clock control room will function at the Collectorate from October 26. Tahsildars and Mandal Parishad Development Officers have been directed to remain stationed at headquarters, with no leave granted.

In Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Collector T. Nishanthi said a control room was being set up at the Collectorate in Paderu to ensure public safety and prompt action in emergencies, with similar facilities planned in all mandals. The control rooms will function round-the-clock to monitor the situation and respond to problems faced by the public.

Residents were advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions, and to call 08935-293448 to report cyclone-related problems or seek assistance.

Officials of the three districts said a decision on declaring holidays for educational institutions would be taken on Monday after reviewing the situation and IMD forecast.