Cyclone threat: CM puts departments on high alert

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

The CM on Wednesday held a review meeting with ministers and top officials of various departments concerned, to discuss the threat and their preparedness in this regard.

Finance Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy, Revenue Minister Dr N Raghuveera Reddy, Social Welfare Minister Pithani Satyanarayana, Health Minister Kondru Murali, Chief Secretary Dr. P K Mohanty, Disaster Management Commissioner Dr. T Radha, Principal Secretaries B R Meena (Revenue), D Sambasiva Rao (Finance) and Aravind Reddy (Irrigation), Civil Supplies Corporation MD Anil Kumar and other officials attended the meeting.

The CM asked the officials to be on alert and to constantly monitor the situation. He said that they can request for helicopters, boats and coast guard services and other facilities in advance. He said that fishermen should be kept informed and should be asked not to venture into the sea as the cyclone approaches.

He also asked the officials to mobilise vehicles and rescue teams, including NDRF teams if necessary, and also asked the Civil Supplies Department to stock all essential commodities of one month's requirement.

Kiran Kumar Reddy asked the power sector officials to be on high alert as there is a likelihood of power being disrupted due to the gales and winds.

He asked the officials to ask the District Collectors concerned to evacuate people to safer areas whenever and wherever necessary. He wanted the departments to work in close coordination with the District Collectors and the Department of Disaster Management.

As a precautionary measure, a round-the-clock "Control Room" has been opened in the Revenue (DM) Department, in the Secretariat premises. The telephone number is 040-23456005/23451034, and the fax number is 040-23451819.

District Collectors of all 9 coastal districts have already been alerted regarding the IMD's pre-cyclone watch bulletin, and have been instructed to open control rooms in all vulnerable areas and remain alert.

All line departments, including fire and emergency services, and departments of police, irrigation, transport, electricity, R&B, RWS, MA & UD and fisheries, are being alerted to keep their teams ready in case of emergencies. (INN)