Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday reviewed the potential impact of a severe cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal and directed officials to intensify preparedness measures amid the possibility of it strengthening into a super cyclone.
According to current estimates presented during the review meeting, the storm could cross the coast in the Konaseema–Yanam–Kakinada region. Kakinada, Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam districts, along with Konaseema and East Godavari, are among the areas likely to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall. Other parts of North Andhra could also be affected.
Officials indicated that wind speeds during landfall could reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph in some locations. The impact of strong winds along coastal areas could begin from the morning of October 27, according to the estimates discussed at the meeting.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in North Andhra and central coastal districts on October 27 and 28, with extremely heavy rainfall possible in some places.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 11 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were ready for relief and rescue operations.
Naidu directed officials to ensure that evacuation arrangements in cyclone-prone areas were in place and that rehabilitation centres were equipped to accommodate displaced residents. He also stressed the need to ensure adequate food supplies, drinking water and medical services.
The Chief Minister further instructed officials to make advance arrangements for restoring electricity in areas where power supply could be disrupted by the storm.
