Minister for HRD Ganta Srinivasa Rao directed officials in the district to be vigilant as the depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm and is expected to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm on Thursday night.
The Minister held a review meeting with the Revenue Divisional Officers, Tahsildars and Mandal Development Officers through video conference from the Collectorate here on Thursday.
He asked the officials to draw from their experience of the severe cyclonic storm Hudhud in October 2014, and initiate measures to prevent any untoward incidents. Steps should be taken to move out people living in low lying areas at short notice, if necessary. Mr. Srinivasa Rao directed the officials to set up rehabilitation centres at cyclone shelters and schools, based on the need. Adequate stocks of water, milk, essential commodities and drugs should be kept ready. He directed the Horticulture officials to take measures to prevent damage to crops. Medical and Health officials should be prepared with medicines to reach out to the affected people, if necessary.
Irrigation officials should monitor the water levels in the tanks and reservoirs from time to time and initiate remedial measures.
District Collector N. Yuvaraj said that the Cyclone Warning Centre (CWC) has predicted heavy rains till May 22. The district received 92 cm rain so far.
Joint Collector J. Nivas, JC-2 DV Reddy and APIIC MD Sridhar were among those present at the meet.
