AP CM Naidu cancels Delhi visit, reviews preparedness for fresh cyclone threat
At 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 system was expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by November 2 and cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
Wind speeds of 100-110 kmph were likely at the time of landfall, officials said.
Moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rain, was expected in the South Coastal and Central Coastal districts on November 2.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was likely in several areas on November 3 and 4.
Officials identified 20 mandals likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall, including nine in Eluru district, five each in Krishna and NTR districts and one in Bapatla district.
As strong winds could damage a large number of electricity poles across 12 districts, Naidu directed officials to make advance arrangements for the required manpower and equipment to undertake restoration works.
He also instructed officials to issue bulletins on the cyclone situation every four hours and asked telecom network operators to take precautionary measures to prevent disruption of mobile connectivity.
During the meeting, officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the progress of relief and restoration operations.
Naidu sought details of electricity supply restoration in the affected areas.
Officials informed him that power supply would be restored in all affected areas by Sunday night.
