Naidu directs officials to intensify cyclone relief measures

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu here on Wednesday said while Nellore, Kadapa and Chittoor districts were the worst hit due to the depression in Bay of Bengal, standing crops in the remaining coastal districts suffered heavy damage.

Addressing the district Collectors, officials of Fire Services and various other departments concerned through a tele conference from his residence here, the Chief Minister asked them to send rescue teams to all the affected districts and step up relief and rehabilitation measures on a war-footing. He directed the entire administration to remain on high alert as the rains were still lashing Nellore district.

The Chief Minister also suggested to the officials to seek Centre’s permission for utilization of railway track in Nellore district for transport of essential commodities and defence personnel to the devastated areas. He directed the officials to ensure that every affected family get relief and rehabilitation as per as the new GO issued by the government. Apart from providing essential commodities and basic amenities in the rehabilitation centers, sanitation in all the affected districts should be improved and prevent spread of contagious diseases, he added.

Pointing out that paddy crop was badly damaged in the Rayalaseema region, Nellore, Prakasam, Godavari districts, the Chief Minister asked them to take urgent steps to flush out stagnated rain water from the fields on a war-footing because any delay or negligence would cause more loss to the farmers and the State. As November is cyclone-prone month, the administration should prepare action plans to face the calamitous situation, he added. (NSS)