Precautionary steps taken to minimise Cyclone Hudhud impact

Rajahmundry: All precautionary steps have been taken in and around the city anticipating Cyclone Hudhud, Rajahmundry Sub-Collector V Vijayarama Rao said on Saturday.

"We are receiving weather information from the Indian Meterological Department (IMD) for every three hours on the cyclone situation. On the basis of information provided by the IMD we have been taking all necessary steps," Rao told.

Gokavaram area in Rajahmundry has been declared a "red zone", as it is a low-lying area and deputy officials are monitoring the situation there.

"We also advised people to store rice, kerosene, water, vegetables and essential commodities for two to three days, as weather situation is changing from time to time," Rao said.

"We will observe weather conditions for another 12 hours and take a decision based on information provided by IMD officials," he said.

At present, there is no threat to Rajahmundry city and officials are monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps, he said.

"Heavy rains will occur from this evening according to the Met office, for which we are taking several steps," he said.

Special officers have been appointed for eight mandals to monitor the situation, Rao said and a control room has been up with a helpline number for the people, in case of any emergency.

People from the low-lying Sanjeeva Nagar have been shifted to relief camps, he said, adding that people from Lanka village too would be shifted if necessary.

Boats have been kept ready near Godavari river to shift

people from low-lying areas to relief camps, he said.

"Irrigation department officials send their report on latest water levels, while IMD sending its report every three hours about the cyclone situation," he said.

"So far we have evacuated 1,500 people from Thondagi mandal of East Godavari to safer places," Rampachodavaram sub-collector and Integreated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Project Officer Gandham Chandrudu told.

"We have kept all necessary relief material in the area and are monitoring the situation. So far 1,500 people have been shifted to safer places. At present the weather is calm and cool," he said.

PTI