Leher threat to AP, Odisha

Only a few days after cyclone Helen wreaked havoc in the state, the coastal Andhra Pradesh faces threat from another cyclone. This time, from what is being called ‘Leher’

Apart from setting up 24 hours control rooms, the state government had requested for an additional 15 teams of the National Disaster Response Force as part of its preparations to tackle Leher, which is expected to cross the coast near Kakinada on Thursday. Right now, the cyclone is 1,050 kms away from Kakinada and 950 kms away from Kalingapatnam, says the IMD

According to an official press release, a requisition had also been sent to the Defence ministry for providing four helicopters to be stationed at Visakhapatnam. Collectors of the coastal districts have been asked to evacuate all the people from low-lying areas. Coast Guard, Coastal Security wing, Marine Police and superintendents of police have been asked to be on alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that Leher would intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross the coast on Thursday afternoon.

• The immediate effect would be moderate rainfall at many places that would commence from Wednesday afternoon over north coastal Andhra and south coastal Odisha.

• The intensity of rain would gradually increase and there would be heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places in both the states.

• The IMD report stated that the wind speed will touch 45-55 kmph and go up to 65 kmph and would commence in coastal areas from tomorrow evening.

• The wind speed would reach 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph at the time of landfall.

• As a result, there would be extensive damage to kutcha houses, power and communication lines, rail and road infrastructure and agricultural crops.