Coast Guard on high alert following cyclone forecast for AP,

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) here has kept on stand by its personnel and assets following the forecast that a severe cyclonic storm was likely to hit Ongole and Kakinada regions of Andhra Pradesh on December 17.

It has also initiated proactive and preemptive measures to prevent the loss of lives of fishermen at sea and ensure their safe return as the regional weather office has predicted the formation of a deep depression that may transform into a severe cyclonic storm, an official release said. Ships and aircraft in the eastern seaboard, especially in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh,have been kept on stand by to provide any assistance to the states and carry out relief operations if the need arose, it said. The ICG has made necessary arrangements to inform fishermen who have ventured into the sea.

Based on the information received by Coast Guard station in Chennai, two ships, Sarang and Rani Gaidinliu have been despatched to escort the fishing boats to safety.

In addition, aircraft with night visioncapabilities have also been deployed for surveillance in the sea.

Similar efforts were undertaken by the Coast Guard during Cyclone 'Gaja' resulting in "nil loss of life at sea," the release added.