Hyderabad, Chennai: The severe cyclonic storm Laila, that had emerged from the Bay of Bengal and moved in the northwesterly to northerly direction, had intensified.
After making a landfall at Bapatala in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday evening, this system started to weaken gradually but now it is likely to move further in a northerly direction and then re-curve in northeasterly direction towards Orissa.
Under the influence of this system, widespread rainfall activity is likely over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and Orissa during next 24 hours.
The sea condition will be very rough along and off Andhra Pradesh and Orissa coast during next 12 hours. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea during next 48 hours. (Pics: Coastal areas on alert)
The cyclone has already claimed nine lives - three in Nellore and six in Tamil Nadu.
At least 40,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas of Andhra Pradesh with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall forecast in the coastal districts in the next 36 hours. Heavy rains triggered by cyclone Laila badly disrupted normal life in the East Godvari district.
Both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are facing the onslaught of the tropical cyclone. Armed forces have been asked to help the civil administration in rescue efforts.
(Read: 40,000 evacuated from Andhra Pradesh)"Collectors have already begun to evacuate people. There are helicopters also. The Navy, Army etc and also the Central government is going to help us. Apart from helicopters, they wanted some power boats as well. Arrangements are being made," said Geeta Reddy, Minister for Information and Tourism of Andhra Pradesh.
(Forum: Cyclone Laila: Are you affected?)
Air, train and bus services have been thrown out of gear in the district. While 36 trains have been cancelled in Andhra Pradesh, a number others trains are running late due to submergence of rail tracks at several places. Flights to Rajahmundary and Visakhapatnam have been suspended. (Read: South Central Railways on high alert to face cyclone threat)
The waves and the winds have already caused evacuation of thousands and extensive damage in coastal districts like Nellore, where trees have been uprooted, cars smashed and roads damaged. (Read: How Cyclone Laila got its name)
Communication and power supplies have been disrupted and even air and train services have been thrown out of gear. But according to latest reports, the situation is now calmer in Nellore.
The Meteorological department in Delhi, however, says that Cyclone Laila is showing signs of weakening. (Buzz on Twitter)
Heavy rainfall is expected in the coastal districts. So the administration is keeping a watch on vulnerable structures like bridges and culverts.
The government has also put in place protocols and standard procedures for cyclone preparedness to minimise loss of life and property.
Also read: (East Godavari district ready to face cyclone: Collector)