Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu takes stock of Fengal, puts disaster teams on standby

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held an emergency meeting with top officials and assessed the state's readiness in dealing with the impending Fengal Cyclone. He wanted the entire government machinery put on alert at all levels to face any challenges.

The CM asked officials to continuously evaluate conditions and respond appropriately. He wanted WhatsApp groups formed to ensure effective coordination within various departments.

Given the possibility of sudden flooding as a consequence of the cyclone, Chandrababu Naidu directed district officials to keep their disaster response teams on standby. He ordered pre-emptive measures to mitigate loss of property and human life. He instructed district collectors to ensure that the entire machinery is in place to undertake relief and resettlement operations immediately.

The Chief Minister asked officials to inform farmers regarding the cyclone in a timely manner to alleviate their anxieties.

AP Disaster Management Authority said Cyclone Fengal is currently centred 100 km from Puducherry and Chennai. Authority’s managing director Ronamki Kurmanath said the cyclone is likely to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry.

Due to this, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rains and extremely heavy rains at some places on the south coast and in the Rayalaseema region. Strong gusty winds at a speed of 70–90 kmph will blow along the coast in Tirupati, Nellore and Prakasam districts.

Kurmanath said there is a possibility of flash floods in Nellore, Chittoor and Kadapa districts. He asked people in low-lying areas to remain alert. He wanted farmers to take appropriate precautions.