The Krishna administration has swung into action, preparing for cyclone mitigation measures across the eastern parts of the district comprising seven coastal mandals, including cut-off areas in the Diviseema Island. Preliminary reports from respective officials estaimate that 234 coastal villages are likely to be affected by the cyclone Phethai, which is likely to make landfall by December 17 afternoon.
The IMD, in its latest bulletin issued at 8 pm, said the cyclonic storm is likely to move northwards and cross the Machilipatnam coast.
“All the fishing boats have been home-bound by Friday morning. Fishing activity is completely stopped. All arrangements have been made to store the paddy purchased through 48 centres in the Bandar Revenue Division,” said Krishna Joint Collector Vijaya Krishnan.
More than 2,000 staff have been deployed by the electricity department for restoration of power, while fire, police (Law and Order) and forest department staff have been formed into special teams to carry out clearance of roads. The Fire department has geared up for rescue operations by arranging boats and life jackets.
The Marketing Department authorities are engaged in arranging essential items and vegetables to provide food to those who are likely to be put up in shelters. At least eight points have been identified for the supply of safe drinking water.
Rescue teams
Superintendent of Police Sarvasresth Tripathy said that the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Forces have been asked to deploy their platoons on the Machilipatnam coast.
He said special teams comprising swimmers and experts in rescue operations had been constituted and seven rescue teams would be available for deployment from Saturday.
High alert
Guntur Collector Kona Sasidhar has placed all departments on high alert.
“In addition to 10 shelters, we have opened another 10 shelters,” said Joint Collector AMD Intiyaz. The four coastal mandals of Bapatla, Nizampatnam, Karlapem and Repalle have been identified as vulnerable. About 35 hamlets off the coast within 5 km have been identified as very vulnerable.
Coast Guard ready
The Coast Guard has kept its ships and aircraft of the Eastern Seaboard in a state of high alert to provide assistance to the State administration/coastal community to carry out relief operation, according to a statement issued in Visakhapatnam.
