VIJAYAWADA: In view of the cyclone Phethai hurtling towards coastal region of Krishna district, District Collector B Lakshmikantham has directed revenue officials to put 164 villages in the district on alert as they may be highly affected by the approaching cyclone. “About 50 cyclone shelters have been readied as relief centres, with proper drinking water, electricity and other basic facilities. Out of a total of 110 cyclone shelters constructed in coastal areas, only 90 are in a working condition, while the rest are in dire need of repairs.”
It may be noted the cyclone shelters were also used as health centres, schools and community halls among others. For all 10 mandals, special officers were appointed to oversee relief measures.
About 99 sirens were set up in village panchayats and three emergency fire station, he added.
However, relief operations will not be affected due to shortage of ‘proper’ cyclone shelters, as “we have identified many such places across the district where the arrangements have already been made”.
The deep depression, lying about 770 km southeast of Machilipatnam, is very likely to transform into a cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm in 24 hours. On Saturday, isolated places of Krishna district experienced light rainfall and cool weather prevailed throughout the day.