Cyclone Nivar to hit Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday: Details here
What's the story
South coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to be hit by Cyclone Nivar by Wednesday, November 25. On Monday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that the depression is still 600 km south-southeast of Puducherry. On social media, the National Disaster Management Authority has been informing what one should avoid when the cyclone hits. Meanwhile, the Centre is learned to have reviewed preparations as well.
Prediction
Heavy rainfall predicted for some districts of Andhra Pradesh
It is expected that Andhra and Yanam, Puducherry, will receive heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from Wednesday till Friday. The IMD also predicted heavy rainfall for the Nellore district and parts of Guntur and Prakasam on Thursday. Heavy rains are also expected to lash Rayalaseema for these three days. Chittoor district will see heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday.
Wind speed
High-speed winds will accompany heavy rains
Naturally, strong winds will also be witnessed in areas expected to be drenched by heavy rainfall. IMD is expecting "squally weather with a wind speed of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph" off the south Andhra Pradesh coast on Monday. The speed would increase to 55-65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph, from Tuesday morning along and off the south Andhra coast, the agency said.
Details
Farmers advised to harvest crops before landfall begins
Considering the impending disaster, farmers from south coastal and Rayalaseema districts have been advised to harvest crops before landfall begins. Earlier, Andhra incurred losses to the tune of Rs. 4,500 crore after heavy rainfall sparked flooding in some areas. Agriculture output was also heavily damaged. In a letter to Centre, Chief Minister Jagan Reddy had sought an immediate relief of Rs. 1,000 crore.
Meeting
Rajiv Gauba held a meeting to review preparedness
Today, Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a virtual meeting to review the preparation in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Chief Secretaries of these states attended the meet and informed Gauba that they were prepared to deal with any eventuality. "They also informed about the coordination with the NDRF and other agencies to meet this challenge," a press note read.
Quote
"Advisory for fishermen must be followed strictly"
"The Cabinet Secretary mentioned that we all are aiming at zero loss of life and early restoration of normalcy in the affected areas. He mentioned that the advisories to fishermen not to go into the sea should be strictly implemented," the note added.
Twitter Post
Six NDRF teams have reached Cuddalore, two Puducherry
Tamil Nadu: 6 NDRF teams reached Cuddalore, 2 in Puducherry and 1 in Karaikal after cyclone warning issued by IMD.
— PIB in Tamil Nadu 🇮🇳 (@pibchennai) November 23, 2020
The teams were briefed by Cuddalore Collector.
Meanwhile 2 NDRF teams are on standby in Chennai and 1 in Madurai. pic.twitter.com/ja9NHRKJCn
Advisory
Residents of unsafe houses must move immediately
Listing the dos and don'ts, NDMA said people should switch off the electrical mains and gas supply during the cyclone and afterward. The doors and windows should be shut, and people who feel their houses are unsafe should vacate before landfall. Those who are outdoors were advised against entering damaged buildings and told to keep an eye out for broken electric poles.
Twitter Post
Be smart, be prepared: NDMA
#Cyclone | Make sure to follow these do's and don'ts in case you get stuck outside during a cyclone.
— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) November 23, 2020
Remember to not panic, but be smart, be prepared!#CycloneNivar #NivarCyclone pic.twitter.com/JFx4a2aSvb