Helen to hit coastal Andhra Pradesh

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday announced that the cyclonic hurricane 'Helen' will cross the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh. It is likely that a very heavy rainfall will hit the surrounding places, added IMD officials.

Helen would change its directions very rapidly and cross southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam by afternoon on Friday, sources added.

The fishermen have been warned to stay away from fishing till further orders. According to IMD, Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur and Krishna districts would be shoddily affected by the Helen. IMD forecasted a heavy rain fall in Rajahmundry and other parts of East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh and said the rains will follow heavy winds. Based on the available information, already the likely affected areas have been evacuated.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has quickly established six teams for assistance to the region. A control room to supervise the situation at the secretariat in Hyderabad has been established to function around the clock. In case of emergency, the numbers to be contacted are: 040-23456005/23451043.