Srikakulam County Administration has set up an exclusive control room (08942-24055) in the collector’s office to monitor the movement of Cyclone Yaas, which is expected to affect six mandals from Itchapuram to Santabommali in the next few days.
At a review meeting, Srikakulam Collector J. Nivas said assistance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had been sought to ensure the supply of oxygen cylinders was not interrupted. He said NHAI authorities had pledged swift removal of fallen trees and debris from highways to ensure smooth transportation of vehicles from Odisha and other locations.
Mr Nivas said farmers have been advised to protect their standing crops with the assistance of agricultural and tax officials. He said tarpaulin covers and bags were distributed to quickly move the yields to safe locations.
“We have instructed the local authorities to ensure the optimal use of cyclone shelters by storing food, kerosene, diesel and water. People have been asked to move into these shelters before the cyclone lands, ”he said.
Srikakulam District Fire Officer Chap. Kripavaram has ordered all fire stations to remain on alert in coastal areas.
Meanwhile, Vizinaagaram collector M. Hari Jawaharlal instructed officials on Monday to closely monitor the situation in the mandals of Pusapatirega and Bhogapuram.