Andhra Pardesh chief minister K. Rosaiah held an urgent review meeting with ministers and officials at the Secretariat on Tuesday and directed that a sub-committee of officials be formed to deal with the impact of Cyclone Laila that is moving towards the state.
On Mr Rosaiah’s directions, control rooms have already been opened at the Secretariat and at all district headquarters.
The district collectors have been asked to keep ready shelters and schools to evacuate people affected by the cyclone.
The chief minister also directed that HAM radios and satellite phones be kept ready at various locations in case the cyclone damaged the communication network.
Further, the government has asked collectors not to allow any staff to go on leave till May 25. Those on leave would be asked to return to duty immediately. Joint collectors will coordinate with the civil supplies department to keep ready food stocks, drinking water sachets and emergency lights.
Mr Rosaiah told officials to take special care to monitor the power lines so that people do not die of electric shocks.