CM reviews cyclone preparedness with CS

Hyderabad, Oct 11 (INN): Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Friday reviewed the intensity of Phailin cyclone, preparedness and the measures taken by various departments with Chief Secretary Dr P K Mohanty, Disaster Management Commissioner Dr. T.Radha and other officials.

The Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to direct all officials to take all measures to protect the life and property of the people. Commissioner, Disaster Management (DM) said that four coloumns of Army with medical and engineering staff and boats are reaching Visakhapatnam on Saturday evening for rescue and relief operations.

The DM Commissioner said that Cyclone 'Phailin' is the 74th Cyclone in the recorded history of Cyclones in Andhra Pradesh Coastal line. From 1891 to 2012, Andhra Pradesh was affected by 73 cyclones.

Of the above 73 Cyclones, 23 Cyclones crossed Nellore District, followed by 15 times Krishna District, 11 times East Godavari, 10 times Srikakulam, 7 times Visakhapatnam, 5 times Prakasam and 2 times Guntur District. No Cyclones crossed till date in the two Coastal Districts i.e., West Godavari and Vizianagaram Districts.

Of the 73 Cyclones, 30 of these hit the State in the month of October, followed by 19 Cyclones in November, 9 Cyclones in May, 8 Cyclones in September, 3 Cyclones each in June and December and 1 Cyclone in July. No Cyclones crossed Andhra Coast in the months of January, February, March and April.

The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, PHAILIN, is currently located at about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur, and 530 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam. It is likely to cross north Andhra Pradesh Coast and Odisha Coast between Kalingapatnam (Srikakulam) and Paradip, close to Gopalpur (Odisha) by evening of 12th October, 2013 as a very severe cyclonic storm.

Preparedness of the Government of Andhra Pradesh for rescue and relief, Round the clock Control Rooms with telephones etc. opened at State/District levels.

Senior IAS Officers were deputed as Special Officers to assist District Administration in Rescue and Relief Operations. The District Collectors also appointed Supervisory Officers at Mandal levels.

15 teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) personnel with Rescue, Evacuation Equipments were positioned. Army and Air Force Authorities were already alerted and ready to move for rescue and relief operations on intimation.

It is initially proposed to evacuate approximately 65 thousand people from low lying areas in North coastal AP from this mid-day onwards. All necessary Essential Commodities like rice, kerosene, drinking water were positioned.

All arrangements were made to repairs/strengthen river and tank bunds to avoid flooding. Heavy duty pumps positioned to drain out flood water. Sufficient number of sand bags kept ready in case of breaches to river and tanks.

Existing Cyclone Shelters prepared to accommodate people evacuated from low lying areas. Sites were also identified for more temporary shelters. These are provided with flood lights, food, drinking water, generator and medical facilities.

Medical Teams: Medical teams with sufficient quantities of required drugs and medicines being deployed. Pregnant women who are likely to deliver babies during this week are being identified to shift them to safer places, if there is need.

The Collectors of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam were already authorised to draw funds under TR-27 for relief operations.