Two dead in rain-related incidents ahead of cyclonic storm

Two persons were killed in separate rain-related incidents as heavy rains lashed coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh under the influence of severe cyclonic storm 'Helen' over west-central Bay of Bengal.
In view of the cyclone 8,000 people have been evacuated to safer places. 3,000 people have been evacuated to safer places in West Godavari district and are being provided essential items like food and medicines.
According to officials, two persons died in Krishna district when trees fell on them. Efforts are underway to remove the large number of trees that fell on the roads after being uprooted by gale in the district, they said.

Heavy rains and gutsy winds were reported from other coastal districts like Guntur, East Godavari among others.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy reviewed the situation arising out of cyclonic storm with Chief Secretary and the Collectors of coastal districts this morning, they said.
The vulnerable districts have been put on the high alert and the Chief Minister has directed the officials to be prepared to face any eventuality.

Reddy has also directed the administration to co-ordinate with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, fire and emergency personnel of medical, agriculture among others.
He has also asked the officials to take the help of Army, Navy and Air Force, if necessary, the sources said.

The severe cyclonic storm Helen over west central Bay of Bengal moved slightly westwards and lay centred at 1130 hrs IST today about 15 kms east of Machilipatnam in coastal Andhra and it would cross the Andhra coast within a few hours, an official bulletin said.