Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anitha today said that the official machinery has been put on high alert, the NDRF and the SDRF teams have been kept ready to swing into action if needed.

The Home Minister held a meeting with the officials and reviewed the steps being taken to avert loss of life and property due to cyclone.

Speaking on the occasion, the Home Minister explained that with the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified and developed into a severe cyclonic storm “MONTHA” and is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28. Heavy rains will occur on October 27 and 28 in the coastal Andhra districts. Heavy winds will blow with 100 KM speed,” she said and asked the people of the coastal AP districts to remain indoors.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh is taking all possible steps to avert loss of life and property, she said and informed that giant hoardings are being removed and fishermen were warned not to venture into the sea for fishing.

She further informed that the main focus was laid on six mandals which are likely to bear the brunt of the storm during the landfall of the cyclone. She directed the officials to take steps to minimize the damage due to the cyclonic storm.

“As many as 6 NDRD teams and 13 SDRF teams and a helicopter have been kept ready to be deployed. If required more teams will be deployed,” she asserted.

The Home Minister further informed that the cyclone effect would be felt in all coastal AP districts.

She ordered the officials not to allow people to visit beaches.

The Chief Minister has ordered the Ministers, Secretaries, district Collectors and all government machinery to be ready to swing into action in the affected areas, she said and told the officials to use satellite phones as the communication system is likely to be disrupted.

Responsibility lies on all to ensure that there would be no loss of life due to the cyclone, she told the officials.

She warned the officials of firm action, if indifference was found and asked the officials to inform people of the phone numbers of control rooms set up in various districts.

If needed, people living in low-lying areas should be shifted to schools and government offices, she said and directed the officials concerned to provide all facilities to the victims in relief camps.

Konaseema Collector R Mahesh Kumar said that a watch point has been set up for every three kilometres at the coast and all precautionary measures have been taken to face any eventuality in the district.

Kakinada RDO Madhubabu said that 27 relief camps have been set up to shift affected people.