Cyclone threat in Andhra Pradesh: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu cancels Delhi visit

A cyclone threat is looming over Andhra Pradesh once again, in view of which the state's Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has decided to cancel his Delhi visit scheduled for Monday. According to an NDTV report, the Chief Minister held a high-level review meeting on Sunday regarding cyclone preparations and relief operations. He has given clear instructions to officials to remain fully prepared and vigilant to face this natural disaster.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the depression currently formed in the Bay of Bengal is intensifying. There is a strong possibility that this system will turn into a deep depression and take the form of a cyclone in the coming time. According to estimates, by 2 November, this system will transform into a severe cyclonic storm in the west-central Bay of Bengal. Thereafter, it is predicted to cross the coast near Bapatla by the morning of 3 November. At this time, the wind speed is expected to be 100 to 110 kmph.

Due to the impact of the cyclone, a warning for moderate to heavy rain and extremely heavy rain at some places has been issued for the south and central coastal districts on 2 November. Thereafter, heavy to very heavy rain is likely in many areas on 3 and 4 November as well. The administration has identified 20 mandals where extremely heavy rainfall is likely. These mandals include 9 in Eluru district, 5 in Krishna district, 5 in NTR district, and 1 in Bapatla district.

During the review meeting, officials told the Chief Minister that a large number of electricity poles could be damaged in 12 districts due to strong winds accompanying the cyclone. To deal with this situation, the Chief Minister has ordered officials to arrange for the necessary manpower and equipment in advance. In addition, he has also instructed telecom network operators to take precautionary measures in advance to ensure that mobile connectivity is not disrupted.

For the dissemination of information, the Chief Minister has directed to issue a bulletin on the cyclone situation every four hours. In this meeting, the damage caused by the previous 'Dana' cyclone and the ongoing relief and restoration work were also reviewed. The Chief Minister sought details regarding the restoration of power supply in the cyclone-affected areas. Officials assured him that power supply would be restored in all affected areas by Sunday night.

Thus, the state government is making preparations on a war footing in view of the potential threat of the cyclone. The Chief Minister himself is monitoring the entire situation and has urged the administration not to show any kind of negligence. It is expected that the government will also take an appropriate decision in the coming time regarding the damage to farmers' crops and its compensation. Currently, the entire system is on alert mode and people living in coastal areas have been asked to remain cautious.