Collectors told to evacuate people in low lying areas

Cyclone Arnab

Special officers were appointed for districts likely to be severely affected, while utility CMDs were instructed to visit vulnerable areas

metro india news  I AMARAVATI : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday reviewed preparedness for Cyclone Arnab and directed officials to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property. During a teleconference with district collectors, he reviewed the cyclone’s movement, expected rainfall and likely impact. Officials informed him that the cyclone was centred about 167 km from Yanam, near Kakinada, and had been moving towards the coast at 23 kmph.

Naidu directed collectors to evacuate people from low-lying areas to safer locations and ensure adequate food, drinking water and essential supplies at relief camps. He ordered round-the-clock monitoring through district control rooms and effective deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams.

He stressed the need for prompt restoration of electricity and instructed officials to clear fallen trees and hoardings to prevent road blockages.

Meanwhile, Electricity Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar reviewed preparedness with senior officials and directed power utilities to remain on high alert. Special officers were appointed for districts likely to be severely affected, while utility CMDs were instructed to visit vulnerable areas.

The electricity department has mobilised 6,000 personnel for emergency restoration work, including 4,000 from EPDCL, 1,000 from SPDCL and 1,000 from APCPDCL. Poles, conductors, transformers, cables and tree-clearing equipment have been kept ready.

APCPDCL has established control rooms at circle and division levels and directed staff not to take leave during the emergency. Its 24-hour helpline, 1912, will handle electricity-related complaints and can receive over 30,000 calls simultaneously.

Authorities urged people not to touch fallen electrical wires and to report such hazards immediately. Officials have been asked to coordinate with other departments to ensure swift restoration and minimise damage.