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Amaravati, Oct 28 (IANS) Cyclone Menth in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclone and is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on Tuesday night.
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDA) said in the morning that the cyclone moved at a speed of 15 km per hour during the last six hours and is currently centered 190 km from Machilipatnam, 270 km from Kakinada and 340 km from Visakhapatnam.
ASDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said that at the time of the cyclone’s landfall, there is a possibility of a strong gale with a speed of 90-110 km per hour. The impact of the cyclone is likely to cause very heavy rainfall along the entire Andhra coast from Srikakulam to Nellore. Very heavy rainfall may occur in some areas.
APSDMA has advised people to stay indoors. It appealed to the people not to panic and assured them that the state administration is with them.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for coastal districts, which are also facing the threat of floods.
There is also a possibility of storm surge on the coast about one meter above astronomical tide, which could lead to flooding of low-lying areas.
Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Nellore, Konaseema and Kakinada districts are already experiencing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. At least 95 places have recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall.
High tidal waves have damaged the Uppada-Kakinada beach road. Authorities have closed the road to traffic.
Fishermen have been advised not to go into the sea for five days. All activities on the coast have been suspended. Authorities have closed the beaches to tourists.
According to officials, the cyclone is likely to affect 1,419 villages in 233 mandals and 44 municipalities. Authorities have already opened 2,194 relief camps in these areas.
Where necessary, the administration is ready to shift people to relief camps. Special attention has been given to the care of 3,465 pregnant women/lactating mothers.
A total of 558 control rooms have been set up, including one state control room, 19 district control rooms and 54 revenue division control rooms.
16 satellite phones, 35 DMR sets and other equipment have been made available in the districts for communication arrangements.
As a precautionary measure, South Central Railway and East Coast Railway have announced cancellation of more than 100 trains for the next two days.
Eleven teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 12 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have reached the coastal districts for relief operations, while a few more teams are available at the headquarters.
–IANS
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