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Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are bracing for the fast approaching cyclone Hudhud which is expected to have a landfall on Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
Fishermen have been warned to stay away from sea and people living in the coastal region are being moved to safer zones.
Meanwhile, the Met Department has warned that Hudhud is likely to intensify further and that the real effect of the cyclone will be seen from Saturday morning.
"The severe cyclonic storm Hudhud is now 630 km southeast of Visakhapatnam. It's likely to intensify further into very serious cyclonic storm and is expected to cross the coast around Vishakhapatnam by 12th forenoon," said Radheshyam, a Met department official.
"Fishermen are advised not to venture in the sea and those who are already at sea are advised to come back immediately. The real affect of cyclone will start from 11th morning onwards. There will be heavy rain and the cyclone will be very severe," he added.
In wake of the cyclonic storm "Hudhud", the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has placed its five Battalions situated at Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar on high alert. These NDRF battalions comprise of 51 teams.
Six rescue and relief teams have already been deployed in Andhra Pradesh, nine are being considered in Odisha and four each from NDRF Patna, Kolkota and Chennai battalions are moving towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
A total of 27 teams are being deployed in vulnerable areas as a proactive measure to mitigate the situation during cyclonic storm.
One DIG-ranked officer has been stationed at Visakhapattam and Bhubaneswar to supervise NDRF operations.
A total 162 boats and 54 deep diving sets with other flood rescue equipments are being sent to meet any challenges which may arise due to Cyclone Hudhud.
