Low-pressure in Bay: Home minister alerts state machinery

Amaravati: Home and disaster management minister Vangalapudi Anitha has directed officials to take all precautionary measures in view of the low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify into a depression and move towards the south Odisha–north Andhra coast.

The home minister on Monday held a high-level emergency review through a teleconference with collectors and superintendents of police of the affected districts, Disaster Management Authority MD Prakhar Jain and other senior officials. She reviewed the preparedness at the field level and issued instructions to ensure the safety of people and minimise the impact of the weather system.

Anitha said north Andhra was likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday under the influence of the system. As heavy rainfall is also expected in Odisha, she directed officials to closely monitor the water levels and flows in the Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers. She also instructed officials to coordinate with authorities in Odisha-border districts and assess the situation continuously.

She directed officials to keep SDRF and NDRF teams ready for emergency rescue and relief operations. State- and district-level control rooms should remain operational round the clock, while field-level officials should continuously monitor the situation, she said.

The minister instructed officials to make advance arrangements for essential commodities, medical services and other emergency facilities. People living in coastal and low-lying areas should be shifted to relief centres immediately if necessary. Special surveillance should be maintained at overflowing streams, vulnerable causeways and flood-prone areas. Warning boards should be installed at such locations, and the movement of vehicles and people should be regulated wherever required to prevent loss of life.

Anitha said strong winds of 50 to 60 kmph were likely along the coast and urged people to remain alert. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea. People were also cautioned against staying near trees, large hoardings and old or dilapidated buildings.

The home minister appealed to the public to follow official advisories issued by the government and take all necessary precautions.

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