Cyclonic storm Phailin which hit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands yesterday, has intensified and is expected to hit coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh by Saturday evening. Director General of MeT Department, L. S Rathore told reporters in New Delhi that under the influence of the cyclonic system, rainfall would occur at most places and heavy to very heavy rainfalls at some places of coastal Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh from Saturday morning.
NDMA Vice Chairman, Sashidhar Reddy said, all arrangements are in place to meet any eventuality arising out of cyclonic storm.
“Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are gearing up. We have been in touch with the State governments. We have pre-positioned the National Disaster Response Force team . A total of about 28 teams will be available to the Odisha government. Andhra Pradesh government will have about 15 teams to meet this challenge. We have also talked to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to keep in readiness medical teams and other components that would be required to deal with the situation.”
Andhra Pradesh state administration has sounded a high alert in all nine coastal districts in view of the cyclone. Chief Secretary P K Mohanthy reviewed the arrangements with district collectors.
Warning signal number three has been hoisted at Kalingapatnam while warning two displayed at all ports as the cyclonic storm is likely to show its impact all along the coast in the state. Meanwhile, Collectors have been directed to evacuate the identified low laying areas. Round the clock control rooms have been opened at Hyderabad as well as district headquarters to monitor rescue and relief measures.
The Odisha government has started stocking shelters with ration. Disaster response teams are on standby.
Odisha is preparing to face another severe cyclonic disaster ‘Phailin’. The Odisha government has alerted collectors of 14 districts and asked them to prepare their plans at the ground level. The state government has also cancelled holidays for all government employees during the ensuing Dussehra festival and ordered relief and rescue officials to spread out.
The weather office has asked the fishermen to suspend fishing operations.