Officials urged to remain alert as severe cyclone approaches

NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha reviewing cyclone preparedness in Vijayawada.

Krishna District Collector D.K. Balaji has directed officials to remain alert for the cyclone and take steps to prevent human and property loss.

Mr. Balaji, who reviewed cyclone preparedness with the district and mandal-level officials, instructed them to be available at the posted places and take measures for supply of drinking water and other essentials.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) CMD P. Pulla Reddy said leaves of officials and staff were cancelled in wake of the cyclonic storm. He also asked the field staff to caution the public against touching snapped electric cables. Control Rooms have been set up in all districts under CPDCL, Mr. Pulla Reddy said.

Eluru District Collector K. Vetri Selvi has directed the officials to be alert and asked the Irrigation department engineers to take measures to prevent damage to canal and tank bunds.

Villagers were requested not to venture into rivers and canals and move on the bunds as the impact of the cyclone would be heavy.

Control Rooms have been set up at Eluru Collectorate with helpline numbers 18002331077, 08812-224519 and 9491041419, and public are requested to contact and alert the officers in emergency, the Collector said.

NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha reviewed the preparedness for the severe cyclone with the officials of Revenue, Irrigation, A.P. Transco, Medical and Health, Fire and other departments. He directed the Tahsildars to shift people staying in vulnerable areas to safer locations.

A control room has been set up the Collectorate with the helpline number 91549 70454 in Vijayawada, Mr. Lakshmisha said.

He appealed to the public not to take shelter in dilapidated buildings, under the trees, electric poles and hoardings during the event of the cyclone.