CM direct authorities to stay on high alert

AMARAVATI: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed district authorities to be on high alert in the wake of cyclone ‘Titli’. He spoke to them through teleconferencing today.

Eight people have died in Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram districts due to Cyclone ‘Titli’. Power supply and communication systems are affected in both the districts. The State Road Transport Corporation has suspended its bus services as uprooted trees caused roadblocks at several places.

K Atchannaidu, Transport Minister visited the affected mandals and took stock of  the situation.

“Every hour from now is very crucial. Focus should be on relief measures and restoration of communication network. Care should be taken to prevent spreading of communicable diseases,” Naidu said.

CM is scheduled to visit Palasa and Tekkali in Srikakulam district to review the rescue and rehabilitation activities in the cyclone-affected areas today after 5 pm.

NDRF (National Disaster Resource Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Resource Force) teams have been deployed in Srikakulam and Vizjayanagaram districts in Andhra Pradesh to carry rescue and relief operations. The SDMA has set up a toll-free helpline no. 18004250101 at its Emergency Operations Centre to assist people in distress, while control rooms have been opened in the three northern coastal districts.

An officer of Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre saidthat north Andhra Pradesh would witness wind speeds between 50-60 kmphand it’ll prevail till late in the evening today.