AP: Over 100,000 evacuated, damage to cashew plantations likely

CM says all precautionary measures have been taken

Andhra Pradesh chief minister, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, said that over 100,000 people from low lying areas in the coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam have been so far evacuated to safer places as the Phailin cyclone is nearing the coast.

Reddy, who held a review meeting on the cyclone today, said that all precautionary measures have been taken to minimise the damage and "we can't do anything more".

Though the intensity of Phailin was estimated to be very high, he asked the people not to fear as "we are prepared for all eventualities".

Senior IAS officers have been deployed in the three districts to monitor the situation. Helicopters, fire tenders, water tankers and boats were kept ready to be deployed wherever necessary. Doctors, paramedical staff and veterinary staff are stationed at various places.

Almost all the fishermen who had been out on the sea have returned home. Out of a total of 22,994 fishing boats in the state, only 22 boats have not reached the shore. "Even they were stated to be in a safe situation now", the chief minister said.

Heavy downpour had already started in Srikakulam district. Villages nearby rivers like Nagavalli and Vamsadhara that flow through the cyclone affected areas were also being closely monitored as there was a possibility of floods.

The chief minister said that cashew plantations in Srikakulam district had been extensively damaged in 1999 cyclone. He wished that the damage would be less this time.