With another cyclone threat looming over Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday cancelled his scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday and directed officials to remain fully prepared to deal with its impact.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the prevailing depression was likely to intensify into a deep depression and subsequently develop into a cyclone. It is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by November 2.
The Chief Minister conducted a review meeting on cyclone preparedness and the relief and restoration operations following Cyclone Arnab. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the prevailing depression was likely to intensify into a deep depression and subsequently develop into a cyclone. The Chief Minister also directed officials to issue a bulletin on the cyclone situation once every four hours. He instructed telecom network operators to take precautionary measures in advance to prevent disruptions to mobile connectivity. Meanwhile, officials briefed the Chief Minister on the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the progress of ongoing relief and restoration operations.
It is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by November 2 and may cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3. Winds with speeds of 100-110 kmph are likely at the time of landfall, officials said. When officials stated that strong winds accompanying the cyclone could damage a large number of electric poles across 12 districts, the Chief Minister directed them to make advance arrangements for the required manpower and equipment to deal with such eventualities.
