Cyclone threat: CM puts all departments on high alert

CM asks officials to be on alert, constantly monitoring the situation

Chief minister, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, had put all departments on high alert in view of the cyclone threat over north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast.

The chief minister on Wednesday held a review meeting with ministers and top officials of various departments concerned on the threat of cyclone and the preparedness in this regard.

According to an official press release, the chief minister asked the officials to be on alert and constantly monitor the situation. They can also request for helicopters, boats and coast guard services in advance. He said fishermen should be kept informed and be asked not to venture into the sea as the cyclone approaches.

Kiran Reddy also asked the officials to mobilise vehicles and rescue teams, including NDRF (National disaster response force) teams, if necessary. He wanted the civil supplies department to stock all essential commodities of one month’s requirement.

The chief minister asked the power sector officials to be on high alert since there is a likelihood of power being disrupted due to gales and winds. He instructed the officials to ask the district collectors concerned to evacuate people to safer areas whenever and wherever necessary.

According to IMD bulletin, the depression over North Andaman Sea moved northwestward and intensified into a deep depression. The system, according to forecast, would intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours. It would move west-northwestwards and cross Andaman islands on Wednesday. It would then continue to move west-northwestwards for some time and then northwestwards and cross north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast between Kalingapatnam and Paradip by night of October 12 as a very severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 175-185 kmph.As a precautionary measure, round-the-clock control room has been opened in the revenue department in the secretariat premises.