Amaravathi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has stepped up disaster preparedness as the state braces for Cyclone Arnab, directing officials to prioritise the protection of lives and ensure the timely delivery of essential supplies to vulnerable areas.
Naidu said he had reviewed the situation four times since morning and was in constant contact with district collectors and senior officials to monitor evacuations and emergency arrangements.
The state has identified 2,199 cyclone shelters and drawn up evacuation plans, with priority given to the elderly, children, persons with disabilities and pregnant women. As many as 2,360 pregnant women have already been shifted to medical facilities, according to the chief minister.
Twelve National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 10 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been assigned to districts, with deployment underway. Police, Fire Services and medical teams have also been mobilised, while the Navy and Coast Guard are ready to assist if required.
The government is arranging food, drinking water, medicines and generators to meet emergency needs. More than 8,400 personnel have been mobilised for power restoration, and control rooms are functioning round the clock.
Naidu appealed to residents to remain calm, follow official advisories and move to designated shelters when instructed. He warned fishermen against venturing into the sea until authorities issue clearance and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, beaches, riverbanks, floodwaters and fallen power lines.
He also asked residents to keep essential supplies and charged mobile phones ready, avoid spreading rumours and inform local officials about vulnerable people requiring assistance.
Emphasising public cooperation, Naidu said the government machinery was working continuously to protect lives and urged people to follow safety instructions until authorities confirm that the danger has passed.
