Cyclonic storm to cross coast between Baptala, Kakinada

Hyderabad, Nov 15 (UNI) The cyclonic storm, Khai Mukh over westcentral Bay of Bengal moved westwards and lay centered this morning about 230 km southeast of Machilipatnam.

The system is likely to move in a northwesterly direction and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Kakinada later today, according to Indian Meteorology Department.

State Chief Secretary reviewing the preparedness with senior officials, including Defence forces and Railways, urged them to be ready with necessary men and material to undertake relief and rehabilitation operations in case of any eventuality.

Under its influence, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea of Andhra Pradesh coast as gale winds speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting upto 85 kmph are likely along and off Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Visakhapatnam during next 24 hours would cause damage to thatched huts, uproot trees and breaking of tree branches causing minor damage to power and communication lines.

Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph also likely along and off remaining parts of the state coast. Sea condition will be very rough to high along and off the coast.

Storm surge 1-2 metre above the astronomical tide is likely at the time of landfall over coastal areas of Prakasham, Guntur, Krishna, West and East Godavari districts and Yanam.

Rain or thundershowers are likely at most places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh during next 24 hours and decrease thereafter.

EDs: Pick up suitably from earlier series.

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