In a momentary relief for the people of Andhra Pradesh, Cyclone Lehar has weakened according to the latest updates available with Skymet. The time of landfall has also changed from Thursday night as predicted earlier to afternoon. The wind speeds expected to be 150 kmph earlier is likely to be 120 kmph now, at the time of landfall.
Though, Cyclone Lehar has weakened, its impact will still be felt in some form or the other.12 districts of Andhra Pradesh are gearing up to face the wrath of Cyclone Lehar, which is expected to make landfall by tomorrow afternoon. The state government has declared high alert in the wake of the cyclone.
Damaging winds and heavy rainfall
Heavy rain and thundershowers could occur at many places in East Godavari, Guntur, Khammam, Krishna, Machilipatnam, Nellore, Prakasam, Srikakulam, Vishakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh tomorrow. Isolated places could receive very heavy rain. The wind speed of Cyclone Lehar at the time of landfall is expected to be 120 kmph.
Mass Evacuation in coastal areas
High sea waves could lead to flooding in low lying areas when Cyclone Lehar makes landfall. Evacuation from low lying areas in four districts, Krishna, East and West Godavari and Visakhapatnam will start today. Special officers have been nominated for the nine coastal districts to monitor the relief and rescue operations.
Round the clock control rooms at Secretariat- 040 - 23452144 and 23451043 have been opened and are operating. 33 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are being deployed. There will be 16 teams in East Godavari, six each in Vizag and Krishna and five teams in West Godavari.
Andhra Pradesh state disaster commissioner has warned of extensive damage to kutcha houses, disruption of communication and power lines including road and rail traffic. There could be potential threat from flying debris and extensive damage to agricultural crops, a release issued by the State Disaster Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh said.
