Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prepare for Cyclone Arnab, prioritising evacuations, medical readiness, crop protection and power restoration.
Educational holidays to be declared wherever necessary; vulnerable residents to be shifted to cyclone shelters
7 NDRF and 8 SDRF teams to be deployed across 11 vulnerable districts
4,711 pregnant women to be moved to health facilities as precautionary measure
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to take comprehensive precautionary measures to minimise loss of life and property in view of warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that Cyclone Arnab could intensify and affect the state.
During a review of the cyclone preparedness, officials informed the Chief Minister that the storm was likely to cross the coast near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, on October 28. Moderate to heavy rainfall was expected in several districts from Srikakulam to Nellore from the afternoon of October 27, accompanied by strong winds along the coast.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was forecast for October 28 and 29 in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore districts, according to the briefing presented to the Chief Minister.
Naidu directed officials to keep the Central Government informed about the precautionary measures being implemented by the State to tackle the cyclone.
The Chief Minister ordered officials to identify people living in flood-prone and low-lying areas and shift them to cyclone shelters wherever necessary. He stressed that elderly persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and infants should receive priority during evacuation.
Officials informed him that arrangements were being made to shift 4,711 identified pregnant women across the state to Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and hospitals as a precautionary measure.
Naidu directed health authorities to keep medical teams and ambulances ready at healthcare facilities in the affected districts to respond to emergencies.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to deploy seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams across 11 vulnerable districts. Additional response teams were to be kept on standby in NTR and Visakhapatnam districts.
He also directed the administration to coordinate with the Marine Police, Navy and Coast Guard to ensure their availability for rescue and relief operations.
Officials reported that all fishermen who had ventured into the sea had returned safely to the coast, with 30,043 boats reaching harbours safely. Naidu instructed authorities to ensure that fishermen did not venture into the sea until the cyclone weakened and normal conditions returned.
The Chief Minister directed the Agriculture Department to move harvested paddy to safe locations to prevent losses from heavy rain and strong winds. He also called for protective measures for horticultural crops spread across approximately 1.82 lakh hectares that could be affected by the cyclone.
Officials were instructed to maintain adequate stocks of essential commodities at ration shops and ensure their availability to the public during the emergency.
Naidu also directed electricity officials to restore power supply immediately wherever disruptions occurred and remain prepared to respond to damage caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The Chief Minister noted that the Tandava, Raiwada, Yeleru, Tammileru, Yerrakalava and Tadipudi reservoirs could receive inflows up to their full storage capacities.
He instructed officials to monitor reservoir levels and take appropriate measures to manage inflows. Streams, rivulets and canals should be kept free of obstructions to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding.
District administrations were asked to assess the likely impact of the cyclone on individual areas and implement precautionary measures based on local conditions.
Naidu directed district collectors to assess the situation and declare holidays for educational institutions wherever necessary, depending on the likely impact of the cyclone.
He also called for strict action against attempts to spread misinformation about the cyclone through social media, urging officials to ensure that the public received accurate information through official channels.
The Chief Minister stressed that all departments should remain alert and coordinate closely to ensure public safety, protect property and provide timely assistance to affected communities.
