AP Home Minister Anitha Reviews Cyclone Preparedness, Directs Collectors to Stay Alert

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha held a teleconference with district collectors of cyclone-prone areas to review preparedness measures in view of Cyclone Arnab, emphasising the need for coordinated action to protect lives and property and ensure that the administration was ready to respond to emergencies.

During the review, Anitha assessed the prevailing weather situation, the precautionary steps being taken by various government departments and the arrangements in place to deal with possible disruptions. She directed officials to maintain close coordination across departments and monitor the situation continuously to ensure that preventive measures were implemented without delay.

The Home Minister stressed that residents of vulnerable coastal villages must be alerted well in advance about potential risks. District administrations were instructed to keep relief and emergency response mechanisms ready and make all necessary arrangements to ensure that people did not face avoidable hardships during the cyclone.

Highlighting the dangers posed by strong winds, Anitha directed officials to immediately remove unsafe hoardings installed along roads and in crowded public areas. Such structures could collapse during adverse weather conditions and cause serious accidents, making their removal an urgent priority, she said.

To strengthen emergency preparedness, the minister said the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams had been kept on standby. She instructed officials to remain vigilant and ensure that rescue and relief operations could be mobilised quickly in areas requiring immediate assistance.

Anitha also emphasised the importance of clear communication during the cyclone. She urged people not to believe unverified information or rumours circulating on social media, warning that misleading reports could create unnecessary panic. Residents were advised to rely on official updates and strictly follow the advisories and instructions issued by the government and concerned departments.

Reiterating the government's commitment to managing the situation, the Home Minister said the administration was prepared to tackle the cyclone and respond to emerging challenges. She called on collectors and departmental officials to assess local conditions regularly and take timely precautionary measures based on the severity of the situation.

The minister made it clear that preventing loss of life and minimising property damage must remain the administration's top priorities, with every department working in tandem to ensure public safety throughout the cyclone period.