350 coastal villages are put on High Alert as Cyclone Phethai is likely to make landfall between Vizha and Kakinada today. Cyclone Phethai, which is heading northward from the Bay of Bengal, is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast around Kakinada in the afternoon between 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
However, due to unfavourable environmental conditions, it is likely to weaken slightly before landfall and cross the coast as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph.
It is very likely that Cyclone 'Phethai' will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the next few hours and weaken slightly before making a landfall. Heavy rains, gale winds with speed upto 80-100 km/hr are expected.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has called for a total suspension of fishing operations along and off Andhra Pradesh coast on Monday. They are advising fisherman to not venture into deep sea along and off Andhra, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts till 17th December.
Anticipating the storm, The National and State Disaster Response Forces are being kept on standby along with 10,000 state government employees being deployed as part of disaster preparedness.
The Indian Navy, through the Eastern Naval Command, has for the past two days flown 11 sorties across the eastern coast and broadcast warnings to fishermen to stay away from the coastline.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been put on High Alert along with the Coast Guard. Sixteen teams of Andhra Pradesh Disaster Response and Fire Services are on standby at Rajamahendravaram. Another nine (of five members each) have been positioned in West Godavari district for road clearance (PTI reported).
The Government announces immediate compensation of Rs 50,000 to the family of the landslide victim.
#WATCH: Rough sea and strong winds in Kakinada of East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, #CyclonePhethai is expected to make a landfall this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/zJAS6zi3pv
— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018
