Amaravati, 26 October (H.S.): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials in coastal districts to take precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property following an India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of a possible severe cyclonic storm affecting the state.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the system 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 Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by strong coastal winds.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was forecast for October 28 and 29 in North Coastal Andhra, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore districts.

Naidu directed officials to keep the Central Government informed of the precautionary measures being taken. He ordered the relocation of people from flood-prone and low-lying areas to cyclone shelters, prioritising elderly persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and infants.

Officials said arrangements were being made to shift 4,711 identified pregnant women to primary health centres, community health centres and hospitals. The Chief Minister directed authorities to keep medical teams and ambulances ready in affected districts.

He also ordered the deployment of seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams across 11 vulnerable districts. Additional teams were to remain on standby in NTR and Visakhapatnam districts. Officials were instructed to coordinate with the Marine Police, Navy and Coast Guard for rescue and relief operations.

Authorities reported that all fishermen who had ventured into the sea had returned safely, with 30,043 boats reaching harbours. Naidu directed officials to ensure that fishermen did not venture into the sea until the system weakened and conditions returned to normal.

The Chief Minister instructed the Agriculture Department to move harvested paddy to safe locations and take measures to protect horticultural crops spread across approximately 1.82 lakh hectares. He also directed officials to maintain adequate stocks of essential commodities at ration shops and restore electricity supply promptly wherever disruptions occurred.

Naidu noted that the Tandava, Raiwada, Yeleru, Tammileru, Yerrakalava and Tadipudi reservoirs could receive water up to their full storage capacities. He directed officials to clear obstructions from streams, rivulets and canals to ensure the smooth flow of water.

District collectors were instructed to take action against attempts to spread misinformation about the cyclone on social media. Naidu also directed them to assess local conditions and declare holidays for educational institutions wherever necessary.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar