Andhra faces cyclone threat, rains claim 25 lives

Andhra Pradesh is facing the threat of a cyclonic storm even while the state is struggling to limp to normalcy after the havoc caused by heavy rains and floods claimed 25 lives in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh over the past five days.  

Ten deaths were reported in Visakhapatnam and seven people were killed in the East Godavari district.

Officials said that coastal Andhra will start feeling the impact of the storm from Friday, as it is expected to cause heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by gales.

According to the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam, the storm was brewing in the south Andaman Sea, 1,500 km to the southeast of Visakhapatnam and was moving in the westerly direction. "It has moved 350 km during last 24 hours," a spokesman of the centre said.

In the wake of the weather department's warning that the cyclonic storm can intensify and hit north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra coast, the state government has put the administration on high alert. The navy and air force have been requested to be ready for deployment of forces if necessary.  

The government has also instructed collectors of the coastal districts to monitor the situation round-the-clock and set up control rooms. Alternative communication network including the Ham Radio network and satellite phones are at the disposal of the district administration, in case an emergency situation arises.

The storm has caused great concern in the state, especially after the recent floods forced more than 30,000 people from low-lying areas to be evacuated and moved to relief camps.