Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up preparedness for an approaching cyclone, even as the death toll from Cyclone Arnab in Odisha rose to six and 10 people remained missing, officials said on Sunday.
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Andhra Pradesh's power utilities have been directed to protect critical electricity infrastructure and ensure swift restoration of supply in the event of disruptions, Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K Vijayanand said.
Preparing for a fresh cyclone threat
The approaching weather system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by November 2 and cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3, he said.
“Power utilities have been directed to take all precautionary measures to protect electricity infrastructure and remain fully prepared to undertake restoration works on a war footing wherever supply is disrupted,” Vijayanand said in a press release.
Officials informed him that moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of very heavy rainfall, was likely over south and central coastal districts on November 2. Strong winds and heavy rainfall could damage electricity poles and other power infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Vijayanand directed utilities to maintain adequate stocks of essential materials, including electricity poles, conductors and transformers, and strategically position sufficient manpower, vehicles and machinery in vulnerable areas.
He also instructed officials to identify cyclone-prone areas in advance, coordinate with district administrations and monitor the power supply situation round the clock. He emphasised the need to ensure the safety of field personnel during restoration work in adverse weather conditions.
Officials of the distribution companies briefed Vijayanand on restoration work on electricity poles and power networks damaged by Cyclone Arnab. He directed them to expedite pending work while completing preparations for the fresh cyclone threat.
Meanwhile, the Rayagada district administration in Odisha has deployed all 11 fire station teams and heavy machinery at strategic locations to respond to the possible impact of Cyclone Murasu, Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra said.
The administration held a virtual emergency review meeting on Sunday under the chairmanship of the District Collector to assess preparedness for the possible cyclone and heavy rainfall. The meeting reviewed early warning systems, emergency services, rescue and relief operations, shelter arrangements and the availability of essential equipment.
Kahanra said the district was under a yellow warning until November 2, followed by an orange warning for November 3 and 4, based on reports from the India Meteorological Department and the Special Relief Commissioner.
Cyclone Arnab toll rises in Odisha
Odisha's death toll from Cyclone Arnab rose to six on Sunday after two bodies were recovered from a landslide-hit village in the southern part of the state. Search operations were underway to trace 10 other missing people, officials said.
Gidipabali village, home to around 26 people and located on the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, was wiped out after cyclone-induced rainfall triggered a massive landslide. Sludge and debris cascaded down the hills and levelled houses.
At least 13 people who escaped the landslide have been sheltered at a relief centre near G Udaygiri, Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan said.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, and subsequent floods had affected 1.18 lakh people in Odisha, damaged 75,388 hectares of crop area and damaged 1,672 houses.
With Cyclone Murasu approaching, the state was working on two fronts: relief and rescue for people affected by Arnab and preparations for the impending storm, Patil said.
Odisha has also announced a special package for affected families as it continues relief and rescue operations.
(With agency inputs from ANI and PTI)
