New Delhi: Hudhud cyclone threat had forces tens of thousands of people from low-lying areas of coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh to evacuate as the state intensified preparations to face it.
It has been expected that Hudhud will reach the northern coastline around Visakhapatnam by forenoon on Sunday.
Special Commissioner of State Disaster Management Authority K Hymavathi said that as many as 24,000 people were shifted from Visakhapatnam district, 15,000 from Vizianagaram, 46,000 from Srikakulam and 160 from East Godavari district so far.
She said that 146 cyclone relief shelters have been opened in the coastal districts.
East Coast Railway has decided to cancel the services of 38 trains on October 12 when cyclone Hudhud is expected to hit Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in wake of security of passengers.
National Disaster Response Force has deployed 19 teams (each comprising 45 to 50 members) to undertake rescue and relief missions.
In addition, a large number of Army personnel have also been kept ready in Visakhapatnam.
In Srikakulam, sea conditions were rough on Saturday morning.
The Odisha state machinery has also been put on high alert up to ensure safety of the residents, especially those who live near the coastline as the cyclone crossed Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Met department has warned that extensive damage to ‘kutcha’ houses, uprooting of big trees and partial disruption of power and communication lines and minor disruption of rail and road traffic are expected.
Deputy Chief Minister K E Krishna Murthy said, “The government machinery is ready to face the cyclonic storm.”
Navy sources said that Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy too is ready to help with four ships on stand-by. These ships have been equipped with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material including food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets etc, in quantities sufficient to sustain over 5,000 persons.
Sources also claimed that six aircraft are standing by at the Naval Air Station INS Dega to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and air drop of relief materials. Additionally, 30 diving teams and four platoons with additional relief material are ready to be pressed into action at short notice.
Bureau Report
Leave a Reply