BAY OF BENGAL TURNS FURIOUS as Cyclone Mocha commenced its landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coastline near Kakinada on Tuesday, unleashing powerful winds reaching speeds of 80 kilometres per hour and dumping intense, widespread rainfall across the region.
Emergency Response in Full Swing
In a proactive move to ensure public safety, district authorities have established numerous relief camps across the vulnerable coastal districts. These shelters are equipped with essential supplies and are operational to accommodate residents evacuated from low-lying and high-risk areas.
Impact and Disruption
The cyclone's fury has begun to manifest on the ground with several reports emerging:
- Gusty Winds: Wind speeds consistently between 70-80 kmph have been recorded, causing damage to temporary structures and uprooting trees.
- Heavy Downpour: Continuous, heavy rainfall is lashing the coastal belts, leading to waterlogging in several regions and disrupting normal life.
- Sea Conditions: The sea remains extremely rough, and fishermen have been advised against venturing out for the next 48 hours.
Administration on High Alert
The state machinery is on its toes, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams pre-positioned in strategic locations. Continuous monitoring of the situation is underway, with officials warning residents to stay indoors and follow official advisories closely.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclone will gradually weaken after landfall, but has cautioned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over coastal Andhra Pradesh for the next 24 hours.
